Jason Samels vision for a Long Island Yoga Festival started during the pandemic when he was feeling anything but Zen.

I went through a really tough breakdown, like a lot of people, he says of that time of isolation. I fell into a really very difficult depression.

What helped him, he says, was visiting Harry Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing. I just started rising my arms up in the sky, sort of catching a prayer above my head, and then bringing them to my heart while I was breathing in and out, he says. It wasnt exactly yoga, but it was something like that. It brought this overwhelming feeling of happiness and connectivity between me and nature and the things around me.

Jason Samel, owner of Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove, sits in the lounge area of the studio on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

That led Samel, 46, of Old Brookville, to become a yoga instructor in 2021, to open Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove in 2022, and now, to launch an inaugural Long Island Yoga Festival, which he hopes to make an annual event that merges a music festival atmosphere with the mindfulness of a yoga retreat. He envisions, he says, a really cool funky, fun, festive atmosphere.

Students Gina Solomon and Jeff Pliskin follow Buddha Jams Yoga instructor Jason Samel through yoga poses on May 26 in Glen Cove. Credit: Linda Rosier

The three-day event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. June 21 which is the International Day of Yoga with a free yoga session open to the public on Harry Tappen Beach during which participants will perform 108 sun salutations, a meditative tradition often performed on solstices.There will also be a drum circle.

The next two days will include spots for up to 70 people to buy day or festival-long yoga session passes and about 150 people to attend concerts on Friday and Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Aside from the Tappan Beach event, the festival will be held indoors and on the grounds of Samels Buddha Jams studio.

Jason Samel, owner of Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove, and student Lorraine Popowitz, during a class on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

Yogis from studios across Long Island and Manhattan will lead sessions, Samel says. They are scheduled to include, for instance, Colleen Saidman Yee, owner of the Yoga Shanti studio in Sag Harbor, and Rodney Yee; Alan Finger and Sara Platt-Finger, co-founders of ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan; Matt Giordano, also known as TheYogiMatt, originally from Sea Cliff; and Gail Grossman, founder of the now-shuttered Om Sweet Om studio in Port Washington.

There will also be meditation workshops, drum circles and more for participants, who must purchase tickets in advance online. Craft vendors will be selling clothing jewelry, yoga gear and more.

Entertainment includes Nina Rao on Friday evening performing kirtan and traditional chants, DJ Taz Rashid leading a Saturday night dance party and Milard Roper on Sunday evening leading another kirtan session.

Scott Barbey, Lorraine Popowitz, and Gina Solomon, participants in a yoga class called Rock N Slow Flow Yoga with Jason, at Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

It gives people the opportunity to explore different styles of yoga, says Platt-Finger, who will lead a session with her husband from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on June 22. In a music festival, you get to take in different types of music and enjoy the artistry. Its the same with yoga. You get to experience different styles of yoga. She says it also allows people to gather with like-minded people and feel a sense of community.

Platt-Finger, who grew up in Glen Head, says shes happy to come full circle by offering her style of yoga and meditation and some of these transformative practices that have changed my life. She says yoga helps her feel more centered in myself and in my body.

Samel, who lives with his wife, veterinarian Sheila Delijani, and their two children, Micah, 12, and Gabriel, 8, says he was an unlikely yoga advocate whose previous forays into yoga included being dragged to sessions by Delijani.

I was a fat guy who was breathing really heavyand couldnt touch his toes and couldnt stand being there, he says. Now, he says, yoga helped him lose weightandhelped improve his marriage. He even wrote a song about yoga called Heads Bow Down that he plans to release in conjunction with the festival. I want people to get as excited about yoga as I am, he says.

WHEN | WHERE June 21-23 at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove, 192 Glen St., Glen Cove

COST Friday afternoon kickoff free at Harry Tappen Beach on Shore Road in Glenwood Landing; Saturday or Sunday pass $199 each; weekend pass $299. Evening musical events Friday and Saturday $35 each (musical events included with weekend passes).

MORE INFO 516-548-7168, longislandyogafestival.com, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Beth Whitehouse writes about families, parenting and great things to do with the kids on Long Island. Shes been a Newsday editor and shared a 1997 Newsday staff Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the crash of TWA Flight 800.

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Long Island Yoga Festival comes to Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove - Newsday

New Delhi, June 21 -- The Indian Defence Forces celebrated International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm. Several videos of Indian soldiers practicing yoga in uniform were shared online. Army jawans were spotted performing yoga in Pir Panjal, Leh, and Sikkim. This year's International Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for Self & Society'.

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People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the 22nd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the 22nd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at an 22nd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York City on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the 22nd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the 22nd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

June 20 (UPI) -- Hundreds of people converged on Times Square in New York on Thursday to celebrate the summer solstice with an entire day of outdoor yoga classes.

The event, dubbed Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga, commenced at 7:30 a.m. with a class taught by yogi Richa Dhekne and presented by Consulate General of India.

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Classes are being held throughout the day at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, between 43rd & 48th Streets, with the last one scheduled to end at 8:30 p.m.

The yearly tradition began with three yogis who gathered to welcome the solstice with yoga in Times Square at sunrise on June 21, 2003, and they went on to make it into an annual event.

"Summer Solstice Yoga in Times Square with its inspiring yoga teachers, has become an iconic setting to reaffirm your yoga practice under the Broadway lights and the invigorating sun," Douglass Stewart, co-founder of Solstice in Times Square, said in a news release.

The yoga classes are being livestreamed at http://www.TSQ.org/Solstice and on the official Times Square Facebook page.

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Yogis celebrate solstice with Times Square takeover - UPI News

The Centre for Career & Personal Development is here to help students have an outstanding student experience and to enhance their career and personal journey. Our goal is to foster a collaborative and student-centered environment that promotes exploration, self-reflection, and skill development. Through our comprehensive services and connections to industry and community partners, we help students develop their talents and thrive as confident individuals.

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Centre for Career & Personal Development - University of Calgary

Personal growth and self-improvement are essential aspects of living a fulfilling life. As we navigate challenges and experiences, its crucial to recognize the signs indicating were making progress on our journey. In this article, well explore 13 signs that suggest youre becoming a better and stronger person.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and those who thrive understand that change is inevitable. If you find yourself more open to new experiences and willing to step out of your comfort zone, its a clear sign of personal growth. Youve developed the resilience and flexibility needed to adapt to new situations, allowing you to navigate lifes challenges easily.

One of the hallmarks of a more assertive person is the ability to own up to their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions. Instead of engaging in the blame game or making excuses, you focus on finding solutions and learning from your missteps. This level of accountability demonstrates maturity and a commitment to personal growth.

Setting boundaries is an essential aspect of self-care and personal well-being. If youve started to recognize and communicate your limits assertively, its a sign that you value yourself and your time. Saying no to things that dont align with your goals or values takes courage, but it allows you to prioritize your needs and maintain a healthy balance.

Reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is a powerful tool for personal growth. If you regularly engage in self-reflection and introspection, youre more likely to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes. This level of self-awareness is a crucial indicator of a stronger and more self-aware individual.

When you define success on your terms and prioritize self-improvement over seeking approval from others, youre on the path to becoming a better version of yourself. Instead of relying on external validation, you focus on your goals and values, allowing you to lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth shows a solid and resilient mindset. If you view failures as stepping stones to success rather than insurmountable obstacles, youre well on your way to personal development. A growth mindset allows you to approach life with curiosity and a willingness to learn, leading to continual improvement.

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being. Imagine yourself appreciating the small joys in life and focusing on the positive aspects of your experiences. In that case, its a sign that youre developing a more grateful and content mindset. This shift in perspective can lead to increased happiness and a more fulfilling life.

Surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals is crucial for personal growth. If youve started to invest time and effort in building and maintaining meaningful connections, its a sign that you value the power of healthy relationships. These connections provide a source of encouragement, inspiration, and accountability as you navigate your journey.

Taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential for personal growth and strength. If youve started to engage in activities that promote self-care and prioritize your mental well-being, its a clear sign of progress. Seeking help when needed and prioritizing your mental health demonstrates a commitment to your overall well-being.

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing your emotions while demonstrating empathy and understanding towards others. If youve noticed an improvement in your ability to navigate emotional situations and communicate effectively, its a sign of growing emotional maturity. This skill is essential for building solid relationships and navigating challenges gracefully and resiliently.

Being open and honest about your feelings and experiences takes courage, but its a sign of a stronger and more authentic individual. If youve started embracing vulnerability and cultivating genuine connections with others, it clearly indicates personal growth. This level of authenticity allows for deeper, more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of self-acceptance.

Holding onto grudges and resentment can be a heavy burden that hinders personal growth. If youve started to practice forgiveness and release negative emotions, its a sign that youre prioritizing your well-being and moving forward. Forgiveness doesnt mean condoning hurtful behavior; instead, it means focusing on the present and letting go of the past for your own well-being.

A thirst for knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning are hallmarks of a more robust and well-rounded individual. If you find yourself actively seeking new experiences and opportunities to expand your knowledge, its a sign that youre embracing personal growth. This curiosity and openness to learning will serve you well in all aspects of your life.

Presley, a 32-year-old restaurant manager, was at a crossroads. She had worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade, but the long hours and high-stress environment affected her mental and physical well-being. Presley realized that she needed to make a change, not only in her career but also in her personal life.

Determined to improve herself, Presley started by setting small, achievable goals. She began practicing mindfulness and self-reflection, taking time each day to assess her thoughts and feelings. This introspection helped her identify areas where she needed to grow, such as developing healthier coping mechanisms for stress and learning to communicate more effectively with her team.

As Presley continued her journey of personal growth, she discovered the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. She learned to say no to extra shifts when she needed to recharge and started engaging in activities that brought her joy, like hiking and painting. These changes improved her work-life balance and helped her develop a more positive outlook on life.

Over time, Presleys commitment to personal development began to transform her life. She became more resilient in the face of challenges at work and in her relationships. Her newfound emotional intelligence and authenticity allowed her to build stronger connections with her colleagues and loved ones. Presleys journey of growth had not only made her a better restaurant manager but also a better friend, partner, and overall person. She continues to embrace opportunities for learning and self-improvement, knowing that the path to becoming her best self is a lifelong journey.

Becoming a better and stronger person is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change. By recognizing these 13 signs within yourself, you can celebrate the progress youve made and continue to strive for improvement. Remember that growth is not always linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Embrace the journey, be kind to yourself, and trust in your ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

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13 Signs Youre Actually Becoming a Better and Stronger Person - New Trader U

Trevor Atkinson, an Honors degree Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a seasoned Mind coach with over a decade of experience. He empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and propel their lives forward, specializing in guiding transformative journeys. Having studied across Europe, North America, and Asia, Trevor's expertise transcends borders. His counseling expertise extends to fostering healthy connections, aiding those grappling with personal challenges, and nurturing emotional well-being. Trevor's approach encompasses understanding and overcoming life's stressors, ensuring mental resilience. In his practice, he skillfully navigates clients through relational intricacies, empowering them to embark on meaningful self-discovery and fostering positive behavioral shifts.

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Transform Your Life in Just 30 Days: Trevor Atkinson's New Book Offers a Blueprint for Personal Growth and Healing - News Channel Nebraska

Its true, no matter how spontaneous you are in your daily life: Your brain loves a good routine. The order you put your clothes on, the way you tie your shoes, washing your hands after using the restroom, the route you take on your daily commute there are a lot of things in life that we can reliably anticipate doing.

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Without anything recognizable, life would be incredibly difficult, psychologistLauren Alexander, PhD, notes. It would provoke tremendous anxiety because there would be no indication of whats coming next.

Routine is also important for brain development. Just like building a new skill, developing a new habit requires motivation, repetition and consistency. Whether youre trying to cook more often, go to bed by 10 p.m. each night or remember your morning medications, you have to practice the habit over and over until it becomes automatic. Thats how the brain builds new synaptic connections. Its also why we learn new things and adopt habits faster as children, when our brains are still growing and developing and have the greatest neuroplasticity.

You cant turn back the clock, but you can still develop new habits and behaviors. Habit stacking is one of the many techniques out there that can help. Dr. Alexander explains what it is, how to do it and the factors that will determine your success in creating new habits.

Habit stacking takes advantage of the areas of our lives that are already automatic and reliable. Its a technique where you attach a new habit to one you already engage in consistently.

The thinking is that engaging in the already-existing habit will cue you to do your new one, Dr. Alexander explains. This deliberate rewiring of our brain is called self-directed neuroplasticity.

The term habit stacking is new author James Clear coined it in his bestselling book Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. But the underlying idea has been around for a long time.

Habit stacking can work. But calling the practice easy is overstating it. And as well see, theres no fool-proof technique for building good habits because every ask we make of our brain is a little bit different and neuroplasticity diminishes as we get older.

Interested in habit stacking, but not sure how to start? Heres what Dr. Alexander recommends.

Whatever your goal, theres probably a way you can use habit stacking to encourage it. Here are a few examples of habit stacking to get your wheels turning:

According to Dr. Alexander, it can take anywhere from 18 to 200 days to build a habit. Could habit stacking speed that process up or make it easier?

The less-than-satisfying answer is: Maybe.

Like most self-improvement hacks, habit stacking works well for some people and not for others. Dr. Alexander says success largely depends on the habit itself both how hard it is and whether its something you enjoy doing.

Drinking a glass of water with every meal isnt particularly difficult or unpleasant. Studying a foreign language or doing yoga for an hour a day, on the other hand, requires much more effort and discipline. Those are tough habits to build under the best of circumstances. And if you dont enjoy those activities, adding them to your routine will require even more self-control.

Generally, if people can attach new habits to ones that they already regularly do, theyre going to have some success, Dr. Alexander notes. But if the habits that theyre trying to attach to already-existing ones arent things they want to do in the first place,that will affect the likelihood of successfully forming the habit.

Incorporating the Premack principle Dr. Alexander mentioned earlier may up your probability of success in these situations. Thats because having a reward system in place an immediate reinforcer that follows the habit youve stacked can help with motivation.

If habit stacking hasnt worked for you, dont be discouraged. There are lots of ways to train our brains and build good habits! Dr. Alexander recommends you try shaping instead.

Its a behavioral principle where you gradually shape your behavior toward a goal, she explains. This approach can be especially helpful for people with conditions like depression, that impact your ability to self-motivate.

Dr. Alexander offers the example of walking. Lets say your ultimate goal is walking a mile a day every day. Instead of going from zero to 60, start by putting on your sneakers and doing a lap or two around your apartment. The next day, make it five laps. The next day, do five laps and a turn around the cul-de-sac. Each day, you work your way up to your goal and build a new habit in the process!

I recommend shaping a lot because making small changes over time tends to be far less psychologically overwhelming, she says.

At some point, most of us will try to change our lifestyle in one way or another. And whether were creating good habits or breaking bad ones were likely to struggle a bit. Its part of the process.

Remember that if you fall short of your goal. There are going to be days when your couch-to-5K running plan feels more like a couch-to-couch plan. But thats no reason to give up. Its a reason to make a habit of self-compassion.

Dr. Alexander emphasizes that its important to avoid black-and-white thinking. Consistency is key to developing new behaviors, but forgetting or skipping your habit doesnt mean youve failed. Instead, focus on what you have accomplished and get excited to build on it.

At least you have something! she emphasizes. Theres a small snowball there. And tomorrow, you can go out and roll it into something a little bit bigger.

Whether you habit stack, employ the Premack principle, shape or try something else altogether, remember to celebrate the little victories. And remember: Every day is a new opportunity to make progress!

Continued here:
What Is Habit Stacking? How To Do It - Health Essentials

Trevor Atkinson, an Honors degree Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a seasoned Mind coach with over a decade of experience. He empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and propel their lives forward, specializing in guiding transformative journeys. Having studied across Europe, North America, and Asia, Trevor's expertise transcends borders. His counseling expertise extends to fostering healthy connections, aiding those grappling with personal challenges, and nurturing emotional well-being. Trevor's approach encompasses understanding and overcoming life's stressors, ensuring mental resilience. In his practice, he skillfully navigates clients through relational intricacies, empowering them to embark on meaningful self-discovery and fostering positive behavioral shifts.

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Transform Your Life in Just 30 Days: Trevor Atkinson's New Book Offers a Blueprint for Personal Growth and Healing - WICZ

Todays planetary alignment prompts you to search for answers to the unknown. You may have a sudden desire to lock yourself up and take some time off to think about things that have happened to you and discover more about yourself. Dont be afraid of this period of solitude, and use it to discover yourself. It is also good to let go of any stress or negative energy you may have been harbouring in your system. Forgive yourself and others, and try not to hold grudges in your heart. Aquarius Love Horoscope TodayToday, Aquarius, the cosmic energies invite you to concentrate on developing profound bonds in your relationships. This is the perfect opportunity for single people to get out of their comfort zone and start new relationships. It might be useful to go to places or join organisations where people with similar beliefs can be found. Regarding relationships, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and be ready to embrace the unknown, as this will create bonds. In a steady relationship, the best way to improve the relationship is by being truthful with your partner. Aquarius Career Horoscope TodayToday, Aquarius, the stars are aligned to give you the green light to go ahead and pursue personal development. This is a perfect time for the employees to start searching for a new job and be more active. Reconnect with your connections and diversify your search for new positions. Be ready for new prospects that may present themselves to you since they may be promising in your career. For working professionals, it is time to prove yourself to your superiors and demonstrate your skills and talents to the maximum. Aquarius Money Horoscope TodayToday, Aquarius's attention is drawn to the financial sector, encouraging you to look at your earnings, savings, and expenses more carefully. If there are any large financial choices that you have been thinking about making, such as investing in a new business or buying a product, then today is a good day for action. Regarding your income and earnings, you may want to think about how to make yourself more financially secure. It could be as simple as trying to find an additional source of income or asking for a pay rise at the workplace. Aquarius Health Horoscope TodayToday, Aquarius, the energies are focused on your well-being. When it comes to your health, todays horoscope advises that you should exercise. You can also include new forms of exercise that you have not practised before, such as yoga, dancing, or hiking. It is also important to understand your body and not overwork it because even in training, one needs to have rest days.

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Aquarius, Daily Horoscope Today, June 22, 2024: Unlock the unknown and discover your true self - The Times of India

The AI race is picking up speed.

Microsoft earlier this year made the first change to its keyboards since the introduction of the Windows key, when it said it would include a dedicated button to activate its CoPilot AI assistants. Google has made its Gemini generative AI available through its Pixel phones and made a deal with Samsung to integrate its technology into the South Korean groups AI offerings.

And now Apple has said it will build AI tools into its operating systems for iPhones, iPads and Macs, creating Apple Intelligence and transforming Siri from a voice assistant to a more useful digital assistant that will eventually be able to reach into apps on your phone to give you a helping hand. AI is a core part of the new software going forward for those who can access it.

One of the last to announce its intentions on generative AI, Apple unveiled its plans at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last week, quietening some of the speculation around its ability to innovate. This is a moment weve been working toward for a long time, Apples senior vice-president Craig Federighi said.

But the company largely avoided using the term artificial intelligence, preferring instead to refer to it as personal intelligence, and AI for the rest of us, making the point that this is not simply technology for technologys sake.

Global Datas Anisha Bhatia described it as a consumer-friendly approach to explaining the benefits of AI to its core market, and it appears to have hit the mark. Although shares in Apple fell almost 2 per cent in the immediate aftermath, they quickly recovered ground and Apple regained the title of most valuable company in the world, snatching it back from Microsoft.

Apple may not have been talking much about generative AI until recently but the company has certainly been working on it in the background. While it may not have fully embraced generative AI publicly, there is more to AI than chatbots. Apple first introduced the Neural Engine AI processor into its devices in 2017. And the company has been quietly building its expertise, with a number of acquisitions over the past couple of years.

It has also been training its own large language models, which underpin generative artificial intelligence, using a variety of data from public web data, licensed data from news archives, stock photography and in-house data created by Apple.

Apple doesnt need to be the first; it just needs to do it better, said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. While it typically takes a more cautious wait and see approach, it is interesting to see Apple make such a bold statement with AI still in its infancy.

The anticipation around this years Worldwide Developer Conference, or Dub Dub as it is affectionately known, was at fever pitch by the time Tim Cook took to the stage to begin his keynote. Many of Apples announcements had largely leaked in advance of the event but there was still an element of the unknown about the event. And while generative emojis, image editing and automatic transcriptions were attention-grabbing, there were other questions to answer.

Among them were how Apple, a company that was vocal about user privacy and data control, could stick to its principles while also using a technology that not only requires large amounts of data to train models, but will be dependent on using highly personal user data to be at its most useful.

Apple Intelligence is hoping to bridge that gap. It uses a combination of its own models for on-device processing, occasionally extending into a locked-down cloud environment with specially built servers when needed.

Federighi told WWDC attendees that private cloud computing solved a necessary, profound challenge around the range of capabilities of AI. While many of the queries dealt with by Apple Intelligence could be dealt with on-device, there are times when more power would be needed, and Apple has created a solution that allows users to throw server-class hardware at the problem, extending the device itself into the cloud without the compromises that other cloud options may bring.

The device figures out what data is needed to get the question answered, and only sends that to the cloud. There is no permanent storage of data, and there are no logs; all of this will be subject to checks and audits. In other words, Apple cannot see the data even if it wanted to, and no storage means the company will almost certainly be unable to comply with requests that may come from law enforcement around the data.

This is a fascinating tension that sees Apple arriving at the same conclusion as rivals: that it is not possible to fully run todays AI features on-device and that elements must be outsourced to the cloud, said CCS Insights Ben Wood.

Apple will try to play up its security credentials, but this marks a shift in approach, nonetheless. The move also reintroduces other inescapable problems with server-powered AI, such as latency and cost, which Apple will have to manage. Despite this initial approach, CCS Insight predicts that Apple will seek to move more processing to the device over time.

There is one catch, though. Apple Intelligence needs the neural engine in the iPhone 15 Pro lines A17 chip, or that contained in the M-series chips designed by Apple. That excludes a large part of the current iPhone user base, and while it may spur some users to upgrade, it means there will be a large group of current iPhone users who will be waiting a year or more to access the new features.

Apples approach may be surprising to some. Creating large language models is an intensive process that does not always make sense for companies. Amazon, for example, ditched the idea of its own large language models and has opted instead to support other companies, investing in Anthropic.

In a nod to this, Apple has chosen to partner with OpenAI for queries that Apple Intelligence cannot handle. Federighi described it as the best choice for our users today, although it comes with restrictions for OpenAI. It cannot save user data and requests, for example, and accounts are not required to use the service. Those who choose to sign in with an OpenAI account, though, will have the ChatGPT creators data use policies applied.

This can be framed as evidence that Apple is behind the curve and has been pushed into a position of dependency on competitors. However, we would highlight that AI has yet to deliver any game-changing applications, and that no rival has yet offered an AI feature or device that poses a genuine threat to Apple, said Wood. Apple Intelligence should do enough to calm investors and show that the company is on a journey to offering more attractive AI applications and experiences, with progress set to continue in the coming years.

The ChatGPT integration may not be as crucial as it first seemed. It will only deal with wider queries that cannot be answered by Apples own AI, and it may soon be joined by other third-party arrangements.

Federighi said that although the company was starting with OpenAI, Apple was looking to integrate additional models to give its users options in the future.

Apples former director of marketing Dave Edwards described it as arms length.

In some ways, this is parallel to the way Apple has approached search, relying on Google as a partner, he said. At the same time, this feels incomplete as a solution and it will be interesting to see how this changes over time.

Time is certainly something that Apple is willing to give the new system. The features look set to be rolled out slowly, even to those devices that can run them. Apple is reported to be releasing some next year, perhaps in an effort to avoid the missteps of some of its rivals. But, regardless of the timescale, they are coming.

Seeking to take AI to the masses is a pivotal moment for Apple; providing developers with the tools that will create most sought-after features among users, said PP Foresights Pescatore. And this is just the beginning. The next wave of development will be mind-boggling as everyone seeks to outpace each other.

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Apple's plan to focus on the personal side of AI takes centre stage after years of development - The Irish Times