#Cloud infrastructure for apps

[grey-space-computing]

Why Cloud Technology is Essential for Scalable Mobile Apps

1. Introduction

As mobile applications continue to evolve and grow in popularity, ensuring their scalability becomes more critical than ever. The capacity to handle increasing loads and provide a seamless user experience is no longer just a technical challenge; it’s a business imperative. Cloud technology has emerged as a key solution to these challenges, offering the flexibility and resources necessary for scalable mobile app development. In this article, we’ll explore why cloud technology is essential for scalable mobile app development, with a focus on custom mobile app development in Saudi Arabia.

2. Understanding Cloud Technology

Cloud technology involves utilizing remote servers accessed online to store, manage, and process data, instead of depending on local servers or personal devices. It has revolutionized the way mobile applications are developed, offering a range of services that cater to the needs of developers and businesses alike.

2.1 Types of Cloud Services

Three primary cloud service models exist:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Offers virtual computing resources delivered over the internet. Developers can rent virtual machines, storage, and networks, allowing them to scale resources up or down as needed.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications, easing the scaling process without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications online on a subscription model. Users can access these applications via the web without managing the infrastructure or platform.

2.2 Benefits of Cloud Technology

Cloud technology offers numerous benefits that make it indispensable for modern mobile app development:

Scalability: Cloud services can quickly scale to accommodate increasing traffic or data loads, ensuring that apps remain responsive and efficient.

Flexibility: Developers can deploy and manage apps across multiple regions and platforms, providing users with consistent experiences regardless of location.

Cost-Efficiency: With pay-as-you-go pricing models, businesses can optimize costs by paying only for the resources they use, avoiding the need for significant upfront investments.

3. Importance of Scalability

Scalability is the ability of a mobile app to handle a growing number of users and transactions without compromising performance. In markets like Saudi Arabia, where mobile app usage is on the rise, scalability is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and ensuring long-term success.

3.1 Challenges in Traditional Scaling

Traditional scaling methods, such as adding more physical servers or upgrading existing hardware, can be both expensive and time-consuming. They also often fail to provide the flexibility needed to adapt to sudden changes in demand, leading to performance issues and potential downtime.

4. Cloud Technology for Mobile App Scalability

Cloud technology addresses the limitations of traditional scaling by offering advanced tools and services that make it easier to scale mobile apps efficiently.

4.1 Elasticity and Auto-Scaling

Elasticity is a key feature of cloud computing, allowing resources to be automatically scaled up or down based on current demand. Auto-scaling ensures that mobile apps can handle traffic spikes without compromising performance, providing a seamless user experience.

4.2 Load Balancing and Traffic Management

Cloud-based load balancing distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers, preventing any single server from becoming overwhelmed. This not only improves app performance but also enhances its reliability and availability.

4.3 Data Management and Storage

Cloud services offer scalable data storage solutions that can accommodate vast amounts of data generated by mobile apps. These solutions are designed to be both secure and accessible, ensuring that app data is managed efficiently.

5. Custom Mobile App Development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth in mobile app usage, driven by a tech-savvy population and a strong economy. Custom mobile app development is essential for businesses looking to meet the specific needs of Saudi users and gain a competitive edge in the market.

5.1 Market Trends and Demands

The Saudi Arabian market is characterized by a high demand for innovative, user-friendly apps that cater to both consumers and businesses. As the government pushes for digital transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative, the demand for custom mobile apps is expected to increase significantly.

5.2 Considerations for Local Developers

Developers targeting the Saudi market must consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, they must ensure that their apps are scalable to handle the growing number of users in the region.

6. Case Studies and Success Stories

To understand the impact of cloud technology on scalable mobile app development, we can look at successful case studies from around the world and within Saudi Arabia.

6.1 Global Case Study

An example of a global mobile app that successfully leveraged cloud technology for scalability is Netflix. By utilizing cloud services, Netflix can stream content to millions of users simultaneously, without interruptions or performance issues.

6.2 Saudi Arabian Case Study

In Saudi Arabia, the ride-hailing app Careem has become a success story by utilizing cloud technology to scale its operations. Careem’s cloud-based infrastructure allows it to handle millions of rides across the region, ensuring a smooth experience for both drivers and passengers.

7. Future Trends in Cloud and Mobile App Development

The future of mobile app development will be shaped by emerging trends in cloud technology, with a focus on enhancing scalability and user experience.

7.1 AI and Machine Learning in Cloud

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming increasingly integrated into cloud services, offering predictive analytics, personalized experiences, and improved decision-making capabilities. These technologies will play a critical role in enhancing the scalability of mobile apps.

7.2 The Rise of Edge Computing

Edge computing, which involves processing data closer to the source of data generation, is expected to revolutionize mobile app development. By reducing latency and improving real-time data processing, edge computing will enhance the scalability and performance of mobile apps.

8. Best Practices for Cloud Implementation

Successfully implementing cloud technology demands thorough planning and adherence to best practices, especially regarding scalability.

8.1 Security and Compliance

Ensuring data security and compliance with local regulations is paramount when using cloud services. Developers should implement robust security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect app data.

8.2 Cost Management Strategies

Managing costs is a key concern for businesses using cloud services. By optimizing resource usage, leveraging cost management tools, and choosing the right pricing models, businesses can keep costs under control while scaling their apps.

9. Conclusion

Cloud technology has become essential for scalable mobile app development, offering the flexibility, efficiency, and resources needed to meet the demands of a growing user base. For businesses in Saudi Arabia, leveraging cloud services is key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By understanding the benefits and best practices associated with cloud technology, developers can create mobile apps that not only meet current demands but are also poised for future growth.

10. FAQs

Q1: What is cloud technology in mobile app development?Cloud technology involves utilizing remote servers accessed through the internet to store, manage, and process data. This enables mobile apps to scale efficiently and manage growing user demands.

Q2: Why is scalability important for mobile apps?Scalability ensures that a mobile app can handle an increasing number of users and transactions without compromising performance, which is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience.

Q3: How does cloud technology enhance app scalability?Cloud technology provides features like elasticity, auto-scaling, and load balancing, which allow mobile apps to scale dynamically in response to changing demand.

Q4: What are some challenges of traditional scaling methods? Traditional scaling methods, such as adding more physical servers, can be costly, time-consuming, and inflexible, making them less effective for modern mobile apps. Q5: What are the key considerations for developing custom mobile apps in Saudi Arabia? Developers should consider local market trends, user preferences, cultural nuances, and regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring their apps are scalable to handle growing demand.

[cyvance]

The Amazing Cloud & Infrastructure Services in Sheffield: An overview

With the fast pace of development of the digital era, the foundation of any fast-growing, scalable business is strong cloud and IT infrastructure. Sheffield businesses, old and new, are increasingly turning to professional cloud solutions to automate business processes, enhance security, and enable remote working. With growing demand, local players are rising to the challenge to provide cloud and infrastructure solutions that meet today's business requirements. Are you someone who wants to gather more facts about the cloud & infrastructure services in Sheffield, Cloud Services in Sheffield? If Yes. This is the best place where people can gather more facts about the cloud & infrastructure services in Sheffield, Cloud Services in Sheffield.

The Cloud Services in Sheffield

Cloud services in Sheffield go way beyond mere data storage. They include a broad spectrum of services—cloud hosting, virtual servers, managed IT infrastructure, disaster recovery, and on-demand compute resources. From having to move existing installations to embracing new cloud-native applications, Sheffield providers have the technical expertise and experience required to offer seamless migrations with little or no disruption.

The greatest benefit of cloud deployment is its flexibility. Local companies can scale resources up and down as necessary, remotely access their systems, and only pay for what they utilize. Not only does this maximize the cost of IT, but enable rapid expansion without being saddled with physical infrastructure.

With it is the escalating demand for hybrid and remote and cloud offices, business as usual remains undisturbed due to cloud infrastructure. Sheffield specialists assist organizations in deploying collaboration software, virtual desktops, and remote access solutions that are secure. This enables groups to become networked, productive, and secure—remote or otherwise.

What distinguishes Sheffield's cloud and infrastructure providers is that they are dedicated to assisting along the way. Firms aren't presented with an answer and left to their own devices—instead, they are given active monitoring, diagnosis, and seasoned advice as technologies evolve. This enables digital transformation more and makes it more long-lasting.

For any business that hopes to make a difference in its operations, reduce IT spending, and stay agile, investing in Sheffield's infrastructure and cloud solutions is a shrewd business move. World-class technology combined with homegrown-developed expertise provides businesses with the solution they require to be competitive and thrive in an economy where digital dominates analogue.

[techahead-software-blog]

The Future of Cloud App Development: Unlocking Business Value

Cloud computing is rapidly transforming businesses. Many industry reports reveal that as business mobile applications grow, over 70% of digital workspaces face challenges with storage capacity and performance. The ideal solution to these issues is cloud app development, which provides unmatched scalability and flexibility.

Cloud app development simplifies data collection, enabling businesses to gather insights faster and more efficiently. It also enhances data security and streamlines management, making compliance and administration less burdensome. Cloud-powered development solutions empower businesses to create high-performance, productivity-focused applications that drive customer satisfaction and boost revenue.

Furthermore, cloud software solutions support low-code development, a time- and cost-efficient approach that minimizes extensive coding. This allows businesses to launch applications faster, optimizing resource usage and accelerating innovation cycles.

The cloud computing market is projected to grow substantially, with an estimated size of USD 0.68 trillion in 2024, anticipated to reach USD 1.44 trillion by 2029 at a CAGR of 16.40% (source: Mordor Intelligence). This robust growth highlights the rising demand for cloud solutions across industries. However, this rapid expansion in cloud applications prompts critical questions for businesses, especially around best practices in cloud app development.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to approach cloud app development effectively, the diverse cloud-based application solutions available, and how they drive value. You’ll gain insights into creating cloud applications that enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and customer engagement. 

Let’s begin by examining the essentials that pave the way for efficient and future-ready cloud app development.

What is Cloud App Development?

Cloud app development refers to creating applications within a cloud environment, bypassing the need for local servers. Unlike native applications, cloud-based apps rely extensively on cloud app development services, including data storage and processing, making them accessible through web browsers and other online platforms.

As enterprise development grows more reliant on cloud capabilities, they have leveraged its computational power to build groundbreaking solutions, transforming what’s possible in technology. Cloud services now empower companies to create a vast range of cloud applications that operate seamlessly on the web, often known as web apps.

These cloud apps are reshaping various business functions, taking over essential tasks like email, word processing, file storage, data collection, and even financial accounting. Through cloud app development, organizations are equipped with efficiency, streamline operations, and scale solutions like never before.

Types of Cloud App Development

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS applications are hosted and maintained entirely by a cloud provider, making them accessible via the internet through web browsers. These applications relieve businesses from handling updates, server management, and software installations, as all maintenance is centrally managed by the provider. Users can seamlessly access features, integrate productivity tools, and share data across teams, which enhances operational efficiency. 

Solutions like Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Slack exemplify SaaS by providing essential tools for collaboration, sales, and project management within a single, easily accessible platform.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

PaaS offers a managed environment for application development, which includes tools for building, testing, and deploying software while the cloud provider oversees infrastructure. By managing hardware and backend services, PaaS enables development teams to focus solely on cloud app development without the burden of configuring servers or databases. This platform accelerates time-to-market and streamlines scaling since the underlying resources are automatically adjusted as demand increases. 

Examples like Microsoft Azure App Services and Google App Engine give developers robust frameworks and APIs, helping them build complex applications with minimal operational overhead.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS delivers essential computing infrastructure such as virtual servers, storage, and networking resources. Unlike traditional on-premises infrastructure, IaaS allows businesses to pay for only the resources they use, which is ideal for scaling and managing large workloads flexibly. This model offers extensive control over the infrastructure, enabling IT teams to customize their environments and manage systems as needed.

Leading providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform provide services that allow companies to extend, scale, and secure their infrastructure easily, aligning with cloud app development needs for flexibility and resilience.

Function-as-a-Service (FaaS)

FaaS is part of serverless computing, allowing developers to deploy discrete code functions triggered by specific events, like user actions or system updates. With FaaS, there’s no need to manage or scale servers manually; the cloud provider handles it automatically based on demand. This model is ideal for applications requiring quick responses to high volumes of concurrent events, as it enhances cost efficiency and operational simplicity. 

Popular FaaS services include AWS Lambda and Google Cloud Functions, which cater to cloud app development that prioritizes lightweight, highly scalable, and event-driven functionality.

Container-as-a-Service (CaaS)

CaaS leverages containers—lightweight, portable units of software that package application code along with its dependencies—for more efficient deployment and scaling across different environments. This model is highly beneficial for businesses adopting microservices architectures, as containers improve consistency in app deployment from development to production. CaaS platforms utilize orchestration tools, like Kubernetes, to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications across multiple cloud or on-premises environments. 

CaaS aligns with cloud app development demands for agility, allowing applications to scale seamlessly across hybrid or multi-cloud setups without compatibility issues.

Features of Every Cloud App Development Should Have

Simplified Development Process

An effective cloud app development platform should prioritize speed and simplicity. It should streamline architectural decisions, reducing complexity in creating and deploying applications across diverse technical environments. This simplicity allows hired developers to address challenges faster, minimizing errors and accelerating deployment. An efficient platform optimizes the overall development workflow, making it seamless to launch applications that meet high standards across various infrastructures.

Flexibility and Scalability

In cloud app development, flexibility is paramount. A robust platform should allow users to easily scale resources—adding or removing computing power, storage, and networking assets as demands fluctuate. Through automated scaling, these platforms adapt to dynamic workloads, preventing bottlenecks while ensuring optimal performance. During peak demand, a well-configured platform should instantly increase resources, and when demand lessens, it should scale down, maximizing cost-efficiency and resource allocation.

Advanced Security Measures

Security in cloud app development is a core feature, as cloud platforms employ top-tier security experts dedicated to threat management. These platforms adhere to stringent security protocols, often exceeding the protection provided by in-house teams. With compliance measures integrated, organizations can meet industry and governmental regulations effortlessly. Notably, 91% of companies report improved regulatory compliance post-cloud migration, emphasizing the cloud’s ability to safeguard data and ensure confidentiality.

You can also learn about the pillars of AI security and how it is protecting future technology.

Automation Capabilities

Automated processes are vital for managing complex, repetitive tasks in cloud app development. Advanced platforms support continuous integration and resource orchestration, which reduce operational burdens. Automation tools manage workload scaling, ensuring resources are available when needed without manual intervention. This allows IT teams to support growing demands efficiently while concentrating on strategic initiatives, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Pay-Per-Use Pricing Model

A pay-per-use model enhances cost control within cloud app development, as users only pay for what they consume. This approach eliminates unnecessary expenses, allowing businesses to scale resources economically. Cloud providers track and report usage metrics, helping users monitor and optimize expenses. Some providers also offer a base level of free storage or computing power, making cloud resources even more accessible for startups and small businesses.

Steps to Take While Developing a Cloud App

Creating a cloud app can involve web or mobile solutions, with the required technologies varying by solution type. Despite technical differences, the fundamental process in cloud app development follows similar phases to build a robust, user-centered application.

Step 1: Define Your Goals for Cloud App Development

Establishing clear objectives is crucial before development begins. Align all stakeholders on the project’s vision and goals during the discovery phase, helping the team understand the core business needs.

Reasons to consider cloud app development include:

Workflow automation: Streamlining repetitive tasks saves time and resources

Centralized data storage: Access and manage data easily within a single, organized environment.

Enhanced team collaboration: Improve internal communication and ensure seamless data exchanges.

Advanced reporting and analytics: Gain valuable insights to drive data-based decisions.

The discovery phase also allows developers to identify project scope, complexities, potential challenges, and costs. If a swift market entry is critical, a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) may be the best first step.

Step 2: Choose the Right Development Team

Cloud app development requires specialized skills, so selecting the right development team is essential. You can opt for freelancers, in-house talent, or outsource to a software development company.

Choosing a reliable cloud app development partner ensures ongoing support as the app evolves. Here are some questions to assess potential developers:

Can you share similar cloud app projects you have handled?

What platforms and technologies are you skilled in?

How do you prioritize security and scalability in development?

How do you approach cost management for cloud resources?

Can you ensure effective collaboration throughout the project?

A reliable development partner can adapt the app as technology advances and business needs grow.

Step 3: Determine Key Features for Your Cloud App

Identify core features that create a user-friendly experience in cloud applications. Essential features include:

Cross-platform compatibility: Allow users to access the app on their preferred devices.

Security protocols: Implement logins and access controls to protect user data.

Real-time collaboration tools: Enable users to work together through features like chat, live comments, and shared documents.

Scalability: Ensure the app can handle increasing users or workload.

Incorporating these features enhances user satisfaction and engagement, setting your app up for success.

Step 4: Plan the App’s Architecture

Your app’s architecture is the backbone of cloud app development, influencing scalability, security, and cost efficiency. Choose an architecture that aligns with your project’s requirements.

Key options include:

Monolithic architecture: A single, interconnected application; easy to develop but challenging to scale.

Microservices architecture: Divides the app into independent services; highly scalable but may face performance trade-offs.

Serverless architecture: Uses event-triggered functions in a serverless environment, ideal for low-maintenance, scalable solutions.

Hybrid architecture: Combines on-premises and cloud resources for high flexibility but may involve integration complexities.

Select an architecture that best aligns with your cloud app development goals. You can also look into this guide on Serverless Vs. Microservices architecture.

Step 5: Choose Your Tech Stack

The technology stack determines how quickly, securely, and effectively the app functions. Different projects require different combinations of programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Node.js), databases (e.g., MongoDB, Firebase), frameworks (e.g., React, Angular), and containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

For instance, a Python-based stack offers scalability and maintenance ease, while Ruby on Rails works well for prototyping and collaboration. Choose the right tech stack that aligns with your app’s performance and integration needs.

Step 6: Design the App’s User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

Effective UI/UX design is vital in cloud app development to create intuitive and visually appealing apps. Consider these elements:

Responsive design: Ensure seamless functionality across platforms and screen sizes.

Easy navigation: Users should quickly find what they need with minimal guidance.

Adaptability to dark mode: Offer both light and dark modes to reduce eye strain.

Scalability: Design a UI that accommodates future growth and additional features.

A responsive, intuitive, and adaptable UI makes the app user-friendly and future-proof. You can learn more about the Mobile UI designs as well.

Step 7: Develop and Test the Cloud App

Cloud app development typically uses Agile or DevOps methodologies, depending on project needs and team preferences.

Agile development emphasizes short, iterative development cycles, with regular testing and feedback after each sprint. Agile promotes flexibility, allowing the team to adapt to evolving requirements.

DevOps fosters collaboration across development and operations, with a focus on Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) and automation for efficient testing and deployment.

Both approaches streamline development, but the choice depends on team readiness and project goals.

Step 8: Launch and Maintain the App

Successful cloud app development doesn’t end with deployment. Continuous maintenance keeps your app relevant, responsive, and secure. Essential areas include:

Security updates: Regular patches to safeguard user data.

Performance optimization: Keep the app fast and responsive as usage grows.

Scalability adjustments: Ensure the app scales efficiently as demand fluctuates.

Technology updates: Adapt the stack to new versions or libraries.

Ongoing maintenance ensures a secure, scalable, and high-performing cloud app that keeps pace with technological advancements and user expectations.

Benefits of Cloud App Development

Cost Efficiency

Cloud app development significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need for on-premise infrastructure. With cloud-based applications, businesses only pay for the services they use, making it approximately 40% more affordable for small companies. This pay-as-you-go model means businesses can adjust monthly expenses based on usage, resulting in ongoing cost control. 

Unlike traditional hardware, which requires significant upfront investment, cloud solutions offer flexible pricing that can scale with business growth. Additionally, many providers offer cost-saving options, like discounts on long-term contracts for larger enterprises.

You can learn more about the cost of app development.

Enhanced Security

Data security remains a huge priority when it comes to ‌cloud app development. While integrating them, they tend to provide robust protection that safeguards sensitive information. Top cloud-based service providers employ advanced encryption techniques. It all helps in making it harder to get data accessibility for unauthorized users.

Even if there’s an intrusion attempt, encryption ensures data remains protected. Cloud hosting also includes 24/7 monitoring by specialized security teams, often surpassing the reliability of in-house systems. Research shows that 94% of businesses have reported enhanced data security after moving to cloud-based applications, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing data integrity and safety.

Competitive Advantage

Leveraging cloud app development gives companies a significant competitive edge. Cloud services handle infrastructure management, freeing up IT teams to focus on innovation and growth-centric initiatives. With a faster deployment cycle and access to the latest cloud technologies, cloud-enabled companies stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Studies indicate that 77% of organizations find cloud technology helps maintain a competitive advantage. Cloud providers regularly update their offerings, allowing businesses to utilize state-of-the-art tools without needing continual hardware upgrades.

Greater Flexibility

Cloud app development introduces flexibility that in-house servers can’t match, especially in scaling resources. Teams no longer need to worry about storage or bandwidth limitations since cloud infrastructure can easily expand based on demand. This adaptability enables businesses to swiftly respond to changing market needs and to adjust resources during peak times. By outsourcing app development to cloud providers, in-house teams can focus on creating impactful solutions that directly support business objectives, fostering a more agile methodology, and resilient organization.

You can learn more about ‌ Offshore Vs. Onshore.

Seamless Business Insights

Current data-driven environment, the insights derived from cloud app development are invaluable. Cloud storage solutions offer powerful analytics tools that allow businesses to process and analyze data effortlessly. With these tools, businesses can gain actionable insights, create detailed reports, and use real-time data to enhance decision-making.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is transformative, future-ready technology that drives business scalability, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Leveraging cloud app development, companies startups or even established enterprises can significantly enhance performance, streamline operations, and cut down on overhead expenses.

Investing in cloud app development services is a strategic step for any business aiming to launch a resilient, next-gen mobile application. Given the technical expertise required for implementing cloud infrastructure in mobile applications, it’s advisable to engage skilled app developers with experience in startup solutions.

Source URL: https://www.techaheadcorp.com/blog/cloud-app-development-reaching-the-value-infection-point/

[rajaniesh]

Skyrocket Your Efficiency: Dive into Azure Cloud-Native solutions

Join our blog series on Azure Container Apps and unlock unstoppable innovation! Discover foundational concepts, advanced deployment strategies, microservices, serverless computing, best practices, and real-world examples. Transform your operations!!

[allcodeaws]

Software Development Services | AllCode

Looking for top-notch software development services? AllCode offers comprehensive and innovative solutions tailored to meet your business needs. Our expert team specializes in custom software development, application design, and agile development methodologies to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget. Whether you need a new software solution, system integration, or technology consulting, AllCode’s software development services are designed to help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively. Explore how we can transform your ideas into reality with our professional software development services.

[grey-space-computing]

🌐 Explore the Future of Mobile App Innovation with Cloud Computing! ☁️

Discover how cloud computing transforms mobile app development by enhancing scalability, boosting security, and driving innovation. 🚀 Whether you're an app developer or a business leader, learn how to leverage cloud technology to stay ahead in the digital landscape. Read more: https://greyspacecomputing.com/how-cloud-computing-is-revolutionizing-mobile-app-innovation/

#GreySpaceComputing #CloudComputing #MobileAppDevelopment #TechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #CloudTech

[jcmarchi]

Apple opens core AI model to developers amid measured WWDC strategy

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/apple-opens-core-ai-model-to-developers-amid-measured-wwdc-strategy/

Apple opens core AI model to developers amid measured WWDC strategy

Apple has opened its foundational AI model to third-party developers for the first time, allowing direct access to the on-device large language model that powers Apple Intelligence. The move, announced at this week’s Worldwide Developers Conference, represents a significant shift in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem approach to Apple AI developer tools.

The newly accessible three-billion parameter model operates entirely on-device, reflecting Apple’s privacy-first philosophy while imposing technical limitations compared to cloud-based alternatives from competitors.

“We’re opening up access for any app to tap directly into the on-device, large language model at the core of Apple,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, during the conference presentation, according to Reuters.

The foundation model framework enables direct access

The new Foundation Models framework allows developers to integrate Apple Intelligence features with just three lines of Swift code, providing privacy-focused AI inference at no cost. The framework includes guided generation and tool-calling capabilities built-in.

Automattic has already begun leveraging the framework in its Day One journaling app. “The Foundation Model framework has helped us rethink what’s possible with journaling,” Paul Mayne, head of Day One at Automattic said. “Now we can bring intelligence and privacy together in ways that deeply respect our users.”

Xcode 26 integrates AI assistance

Xcode 26 now embeds large language models directly into the coding experience. Developers can use ChatGPT built into Xcode without creating an account, connect API keys from other providers, or run local models on Apple silicon Macs.

The Coding Tools feature assists in the development, offering suggested actions like generating previews, creating playgrounds, or fixing code issues within the development environment.

Visual intelligence opens to third parties

Apple extended Visual Intelligence capabilities to third-party developers through enhanced App Intents. Etsy is exploring these features for product discovery, with CTO Rafe Colburn noting: “The ability to meet shoppers right on their iPhone with visual intelligence is a meaningful unlock.”

The integration allows apps to provide search results within Apple’s visual intelligence experience, potentially driving direct engagement from camera-based searches.

Market and analyst scepticism

Apple’s stock closed 1.2% lower following the conference, with analysts questioning the incremental nature of announcements. “In a moment in which the market questions Apple’s ability to take any sort of lead in the AI space, the announced features felt incremental at best,” said Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com.

The measured approach contrasts sharply with Apple’s more ambitious AI visions presented last year. Bob O’Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research, observed: “They went from being visionary and talking about agents before a lot of other people did, to now realizing that, at the end of the day, what they need to do is deliver on what they presented a year ago.”

Technical limitations and strategic focus

The three-billion parameter on-device model represents both Apple’s commitment to privacy and its technical constraints. Unlike cloud-based models that can handle complex tasks, Apple’s on-device approach limits functionality while ensuring user data remains local.

Ben Bajarin, CEO of analyst firm Creative Strategies, noted Apple’s behind-the-scenes focus: “You could see Apple’s priority is what they’re doing on the back-end, instead of what they’re doing at the front-end, which most people don’t care about yet.”

Apple AI developer tools will be available for testing through the Apple Developer Program starting immediately, with a public beta expected next month. The company’s measured approach may disappoint those expecting revolutionary AI capabilities, but it maintains Apple’s traditional emphasis on privacy and incremental innovation over flashy demonstrations.

As the AI race intensifies, Apple’s strategy of opening its foundational tools to developers while maintaining modest consumer-facing promises suggests a company more focused on building sustainable AI infrastructure than capturing headlines with ambitious claims.

(Photo by Apple )

See also: Apple AI stresses privacy with synthetic and anonymised data

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

[cyvance]

Everything About the Amazing Cloud Infrastructure Solutions in Sheffield

As Sheffield companies delve deeper into the cloud, their demand for safe, nimble, and reliable cloud infrastructure platforms has gone astronomically through the roof. From simple data storage to scale-out computational capabilities, cloud technology is the foundation of companies today, allowing them to host applications smoothly, scale with ease, and access mission-critical systems worldwide.

While cloud infrastructure is a necessity, it is only half the equation. Equally important is continuity of data and disaster recovery. That is where Sheffield Backup and Disaster Recovery Services are necessary. Disaster hardware failure, human errors, acts of nature, or loss of information can bring down businesses, ruin reputation, and incur huge financial losses. A solid backup and recovery strategy is now no longer a luxury but a necessity. Are you someone who wants to gather more facts about the Cloud Infrastructure Solutions in Sheffield, Backup and Disaster Recovery Services in Sheffield? If Yes. This is the best place where people can gather more facts about the Cloud Infrastructure Solutions in Sheffield, Backup and Disaster Recovery Services in Sheffield.

The Backup and Disaster Recovery Services in Sheffield

Sheffield disaster recovery and backup services provide businesses with tailored solutions that protect critical data and applications. Solutions may include cloud-based backup solutions, which provide businesses with an off-site, secure environment where they can store critical data. In case of hardware failure or data corruption, the solutions facilitate quick and transparent recovery, minimizing downtime and enabling businesses to keep working with little disruption.

The integration of cloud infrastructure solutions and disaster recovery and backup solutions is a powerful business asset for Sheffield companies. By having the proper solutions in place, companies can have confidence that their data is secure, their systems are reliable, and their companies are always ready to face whatever life may bring.

Cloud infrastructure and disaster recovery investment not only makes businesses stay ahead of the game but also acts as a buffer for surprises. Through Sheffield's skilled providers, businesses can be prepared for the future while also safeguarding their most critical assets—operations and data.

[technofeudalism]

Taller Nepantla: "So where do art and artists stand within this new techno-feudal political landscape?"

1) Artists don’t own anything.

We don’t own the studios. We don’t own the galleries. We don’t own the production of materials. We don’t own the newspapers. We don’t own the art schools and universities. We don’t own the mechanisms of art distribution. We don’t own our work. We don’t even own our own art. Artists have no labor protections and are content to work individually to perpetuate their own myth or pray to the sacred algorithm to go viral. By being atomized we are exactly like a feudal peasant of the Middle Ages, who lives in extreme precariousness giving away part of his crops to his local king. The art world, its industry, its weight, its impact, its trend, everything belongs to other people. Did you know 80% of the art-market is own by a small group of Mega Collectors? Those who control the means of artistic production control the artists.

2) By not owning anything, artists and cultural workers only rent.

We no longer sell handmade works, but instead we sell our hands for work. More and more the creative and artistic sector sells services rather than art. Artists need multiple jobs in order to invest in their art practice. Even more, just as in the feudal stage of history, we work the land in a territory that does not belong to us, the land belongs to the landowner. In this land artists will always pay rent, a tax, to the feudal lord. We use GOOGLE to send emails We upload our art to INSTAGRAM We educate ourselves through YOUTUBE We communicate through TIKTOK We pay to use ADOBE SUIT We buy materials through AMAZON We move through UBER We send files through WETRANSFER Every time we use these platforms, we generate money for the feudal lords.

The art world depends on these platforms, which collect our information and our data, to sell.

When a service is free, our attention is the product. That is, it is impossible for an artist to establish himself as an artist without generating money for the landowners who own the technological platforms. That is, the art world depends on these products. It is impossible to be an artist without using these technologies. Techno-feudalism keeps artists in a situation of -permanent-precariousness dependence on technological platforms. Just like in medieval times, peasants live off the crumbs offered by the crown, living in a house, working on land, and eating food that does not belong to them. Technocapitalists don’t want artists to own the means of artistic reproduction. Technocapitalist instead build a world where everything is rented. Every stage of artistic production from how you imagine an artwork, how you study an artwork, how you draft and artwork, how you build an artwork, how you show an artwork, how you distribute an artwork, how you perceive an artwork, and how you think about an artwork, is all determined by apps and tools which you rented from a tech corporation.

3) Artists SUBSIDIZE the profits of technological platforms.

That is, we pay an inflated price for these services directly from our pockets. The art world depends on the underpaid work of our services. If there were fair wages in the art world, then the entire pyramid wuld be destroyed precisely because it depends on the fact that most artists do not earn a fair wage. All the art we produce and share is being used to train algorithms to better sell us products. When a platform is free, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, we are the product that is sold. Even more, artists subsidize the entire artworld. We work for free. We work for low wages. We work for exposure. We are the “volunteer army” Jerry Saltz brags about. The artworld benefits from not paying us what we deserve.

4) The entire art world depends on the platforms of the Clouds.

All museums, galleries, fairs, biennials, and auctions depend on the technological infrastructure dominated by feudal landowners. In other words, there is a dependence on these technologies in order to promise an interconnected, cosmopolitan, and immediate “art world.” The feudal landowners who own the technological platforms, having no competition, can impose whatever price they want, and the art world must obey. They can raise prices without losing customers. The price we pay to use TechnoCapitalist services is completely arbitrary. It does not correspond with the quality of the service but rather to the whims of the landlords. One day, black ink for printing is free, the next day it costs $5.99 a month as a part of a subscription package. We are looking at you Anish Kapoor.

5) The algorithm decides what counts as talent as long as it can generate profits.

Algorithms are increasingly deciding what counts as “value.” Major collectors will be able to systematize the works on the market in order to deduce, through algorithms, the value of a work and whether it is a good investment. The algorithm has more power than art critics and art historians. An artist will then adapt to the algorithmic trends of his time, in order to go viral. A work of art that goes viral can change the artist’s life. NFT’s are just one example of techno-feudal experiments in the arts. NFT’s promise decentralization and transparency, but end up replicating the worst aspects of capitalism, feudalism, and what new technologies can do.

In short, the art world is interconnected with techno-feudalism. We artists are technologically and socially dependent on a system that exploits us. It is important to increase media literacy so that artists can build alternative technological systems to cut dependence on monopolistic companies. A king’s mindset is always to grown and conquer. In the end, the artworld’s investment in techno-feudalism will actively bring the destruction of other smaller artworlds in the global south. Techno-feudalism will produce a homogenized, sanitized, apolitical universal art, that privileges creations that protect the artworlds overlords."

[aroaceleovaldez]

Related to my previous post, I thought i'd make another post actually with my pjo fandom infrastructure blogs list, since i know mobile users can't always see custom theme blog pages.

So here is a nice little index of a bunch of fandom infrastructure blogs! Or you can check out the full page itself [here]. I also have my "Fandom Infrastructure" tag [here].

General hub blogs:

Chbnet (General Riordanverse Hub)

Othrysbulletin (Titan Army Hub)

General Riordanverse Submission blogs:

Rrverse-confession-blog

Riordanverse-confessions

Pjoheritageposts (Iconic posts)

Dirtypjoconfessions (Memes/jokes)

Headcanon Blogs:

Percicoheadcanons (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Imagine-perpollo (Percy Jackson x Apollo)

Imaginejercy (Percy Jackson x Jason Grace)

Character/group Blogs:

Deathsibs (Nico and Hazel, sometimes Bianca & rest of Death Fam)

Drewtanakaweek (Drew Tanaka)

Hazel-weekpjo (Hazel Levesque)

Seafamblr (“Sea Fam” / Poseidon & Jackson family)

Decentpipers (Piper McLean & Occasionally others)

Ethannakamura-spotted (Ethan Nakamura)

Alabastertorrington-spotted (Alabaster C. Torrington)

Ship Blogs:

Percabeth-discord (Annabeth Chase x Percy Jackson)

Smartwatermagic (Annabeth Chase x Alabaster Torrington x Percy Jackson)

Pjoracheldare (Perachel - Rachel Dare x Percy Jackson)

Percy-x-luke (Luke Castellan x Percy Jackson)

Incorrectjercyquotes (Jason Grace x Percy Jackson)

Imaginejercy (Jason Grace x Percy Jackson)

Imagine-perpollo (Percy Jackson x Apollo)

Hadesxpercy-events (Hades x Percy Jackson)

Percico-nicercy-events (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Percicoheadcanons (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Incorrectpercicoquotes (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Imaginepercico (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Percico (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Solangelo (Nico di Angelo x Will Solace)

Solangeloweek (Nico di Angelo x Will Solace)

Thejasiconet (Nico di Angelo x Jason Grace)

Jasicofanfiction (Nico di Angelo x Jason Grace)

Jasico-challenges (Nico di Angelo x Jason Grace)

Valgraceweek (Leo Valdez x Jason Grace)

Events:

Chbnet (General PJO)

Rrversesummerbang (Riordanverse)

Pjo-halloween-trade

Pjo-equinox-solstice-exchange (PJO)

PJO Secret Santa (new blog every year it runs - latest: pjosecretsanta2021)

Pjo-hoo-bigbang (PJO/HoO)

Pjocoloringbook (PJO/General Riordanverse)

Sapphic-summer-riordanverse (Riordanverse sapphic ships)

Riordanverse-gen-week (Riordanverse, no ships/platonic only)

Mcgaweek (Magnus Chase & The Gods Of Asgard)

Toa-minibang (Trials of Apollo)

Titan-army-week (Titan Army)

Lukercyvalentines (Luke Castellan x Percy Jackson)

Lukercybirthdaybash (Luke Castellan x Percy Jackson)

Percy-and-rachel-events (Rachel Dare x Percy Jackson, romantic and platonic)

Polympians-event (Olympians x Percy Jackson)

Hadesxpercy-events (Hades x Percy Jackson)

Percico-nicercy-events (Nico di Angelo x Percy Jackson)

Solangeloweek (Nico di Angelo x Will Solace)

Jasico-challenges (Nico di Angelo x Jason Grace)

Valgraceweek (Leo Valdez x Jason Grace)

Drewtanakaweek (Drew Tanaka)

Hazel-weekpjo (Hazel Levesque)

Seafamblr (“Sea Fam” / Poseidon & Jackson family)

Them-awesome-rarepairs (Riordanverse rarepairs)

Askblogs:

For list of Riordanverse askblogs, see my other sidebar tab

RP Hub Blogs:

Justgodswaprpthings (Godswap AU)

Riordanverserpdatabase (Riordanverse RP Database)

Chbofficial (All of CHB)

Campchthonic (Chthonic demigods RP)

Discord Servers:

My own general Riordanverse server

Chbnet server

Riordanverse Artists Server

Mallorykeen’s Riordanverse server

Old general Riordanverse server (no longer accepting new members)

Titan Army Server (consult @bvckbiter or @phoenix--flying)

Percabeth server

Percico/Nicercy Events server

Jasico Challenges server

Above The Clouds (Jasico) server

Jercy Discord

18+ Solangelo Server

Camp Elysium server

Neverland server

Chbofficial’s server

Marsqe’s Camp Half-Blood discord

Reference lists of fandom events:

2024’s list

2023’s list

General Non-PJO specific Zines resources:

All-zine-apps

General Non-PJO specific/Pan-Fandom blogs:

Damnfandomproblems (Pan-fandom confessions/vent blog)

[thoughtportal]

Here's everything you need to know about the tariffs. Why they're happening, why now, and what to do as a lowly little peasant with no power. First off, you need to know that it has nothing to do with bringing manufacturing back to the US. Tariffs are happening because the US empire is crumbling. Basically Trump is doing the work of the financial and tech elite who are trying to claw their way back into the center of global finance. How? By reasserting dominance by state-backed protectionism. Really since the 70s, the US has been the global reserve currency because of a deal that we made with OPEC. That deal said that oil would be priced exclusively in US dollars and that oil profits would be reinvested into US assets and in exchange that would get US military protection and weapons. This petrodollar system let the US run massive deficits without crashing the currency. This artificial dollar demand meant that we could print money infinitely. Waging wars, tax cuts, bailouts, without worries of immediate inflation. Meanwhile, all that oil profit that was being funneled into the US economy meant that we could keep interest rates low, feed all these speculative bubbles, and support stagnant wages with increasing consumer debt. But quite possibly the most important thing this did was give the US incredible power on the global stage. We could discipline and control entire nations through access to the IMF and World Bank or sanctions. This is how we have destroyed or stunted the development of socialist nations across the world. But now that system is unraveling. China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are de-dollarizing. They're trading oil and other currencies, they have alternative payment systems, and they're rapidly dumping US assets. If the dollar loses its reserve status, the US loses its exorbitant privilege, the ability to spend without consequences and bully others through financial dominance. How the US and US capitalists are trying to reconstitute their hegemony, and that's where the tariffs come in. Tariffs are a power play to shield the US from the consequences of its own decay. Through tariffs, trade policy, and military threats, the US government is trying to force the world to play by the rules of American tech and financial institutions. This new strategy has a goal to make US tech the infrastructure for the global economy. If we can't rule because of oil and debt, we can try and rule through cloud storage or payment facilitation or surveillance infrastructure. The government wants US companies like Apple, Google, Stripe, PayPal, or MasterCard or whatever be indispensable nodes in the circuits of global commerce. These tariffs also punish other countries like China or India or the European Union for passing data privacy laws, anti-monopoly rules that cut into the profits of US tech companies. The US is both protection but also coercion, make them both back off and pay up. So will it work? Probably not. But that doesn't mean you're not going to feel the effects of it. Higher prices and more instability are going to become the norm. So what do we do? The biggest thing is to reduce consumption wherever possible. The less you feed the beast, the less it feeds on you. Cut off US companies from your data and your dollars. Delete the apps, quit the brands, starve the machine. Build solidarity networks. Support your friends materially and emotionally. Strengthen the relationships that capitalism has hollowed out. Join a union, join a community organization, join a mutual aid group. Broaden your relationships into your larger community. And definitely join a political party that isn't the Democrats. Remember, AOC and Bernie won't save us. We save us. I wish there was more we could do right now, but that's at least stuff we can do right now.

Video by Means TV

[mariacallous]

Addressing a single executive order from Donald Trump’s voluminous first-day edicts is like singling out one bullet in a burst from an AK-47. But one of them hit me in the gut. That is “Establishing and Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency.’’ The acronym for that name is DOGE (named after a memecoin), and it’s the Elon Musk–led effort to cut government spending by a trillion bucks or two. Though DOGE was, until this week, pitched as an outside body, this move makes it an official part of government—by embedding it in an existing agency that was formerly part of the Office of Management and Budget called the United States Digital Service. The latter will now be known as the US DOGE Service, and its new head will be more tightly connected to the president, reporting to his chief of staff.

The new USDS will apparently shift its former laser focus on building cost-efficient and well-designed software for various agencies to a hardcore implementation of the Musk vision. It’s kind of like a government version of a SPAC, the dodgy financial maneuver that launched Truth Social in the public market without ever having to reveal a coherent business plan to underwriters.

The order is surprising in a sense because, on its face, DOGE seems more limited than its original super ambitious pitch. This iteration seems more tightly centered on saving money through streamlining and modernizing the government’s massive and messy IT infrastructure. There are big savings to be had, but a handful of zeros short of trillions. As of yet, it’s uncertain whether Musk will become the DOGE administrator. It doesn’t seem big enough for him. (The first USDS director, Mikey Dickerson, jokingly posted on LinkedIn, “I’d like to congratulate Elon Musk on being promoted to my old job.”) But reportedly Musk pushed for this structure as a way to embed DOGE in the White House. I hear that inside the Executive Office Building, there are numerous pink Post-it notes claiming space even beyond USDS’s turf, including one such note on the former chief information officers’ enviable office. So maybe this could be a launch pad for a more sweeping effort that will eliminate whole agencies and change policies. (I was unable to get a White House representative to answer questions, which isn’t surprising considering that there are dozens of other orders that equally beg for explanation.)

One thing is clear—this ends United States Digital Service as it previously existed, and marks a new, and maybe perilous era for the USDS, which I have been enthusiastically covering since its inception. The 11-year-old agency sprang out of the high-tech rescue squad salvaging the mess that was Healthcare.gov, the hellish failure of a website that almost tanked the Affordable Care Act. That intrepid team of volunteers set the template for the agency: a small group of coders and designers who used internet-style techniques (cloud not mainframe; the nimble “agile” programming style instead of the outdated “waterfall” technique) to make government tech as nifty as the apps people use on their phones. Its soldiers, often leaving lucrative Silicon Valley jobs, were lured by the prospect of public service. They worked out of the agency’s funky brownstone headquarters on Jackson Place, just north of the White House. The USDS typically took on projects that were mired in centi-million contracts and never completed—delivering superior results within weeks. It would embed its employees in agencies that requested help, being careful to work collaboratively with the lifers in the IT departments. A typical project involved making DOD military medical records interoperable with the different systems used by the VA. The USDS became a darling of the Obama administration, a symbol of its affiliation with cool nerddom.

During the first Trump administration, deft maneuvering kept the USDS afloat—it was the rare Obama initiative that survived. Its second-in-command, Haley Van Dyck, cleverly got buy-in from Trump’s in-house fixer, Jared Kushner. When I went to meet Kushner for an off-the-record talk early in 2017, I ran into Van Dyck in the West Wing; she gave me a conspiratorial nod that things were looking up, at least for the moment. Nonetheless, the four Trump years became a balancing act in sharing the agency’s achievements while somehow staying under the radar. “At Disney amusement parks, they paint things that they want to be invisible with this certain color of green so that people don't notice it in passing,” one USDSer told me. “We specialized in painting ourselves that color of green.” When Covid hit, that became a feat in itself, as USDS worked closely with White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx on gathering statistics—some of which the administration wasn’t eager to publicize.

By the end of Trump’s term, the green paint was wearing thin. A source tells me that at one point a Trump political appointee noticed—not happily—that USDS was recruiting at tech conferences for lesbians and minorities, and asked why. The answer was that it was an effective way to find great product managers and designers. The appointee accepted that but asked if, instead of putting “Lesbians Who Tech” on the reimbursement line, could they just say LWT?

Under Biden no subterfuge was needed—the USDS thrived. But despite many months of effort, it could not convince Congress to give it permanent funding. With the return of Trump, and his promises to cut government spending, there was reason to think that USDS would evaporate. That’s why the DOGE move is kind of bittersweet—at least it now has more formal recognition and ostensibly will get a reliable budget line.

How will the integration work? The executive order mandates that in addition to normal duties the USDS director will also head a temporary organization “dedicated to advancing the President’s 18-month DOGE agenda.” That agenda is not clearly defined, but elsewhere the order speaks of improving the quality and efficiency of government-wide software, systems, and infrastructure. More specific is the mandate to embed four-person teams inside every agency to help realize the DOGE agenda. The order is very explicit that the agency must provide “full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, software systems, and IT systems.” Apparently Musk is obsessed with an unprecedented centralization of the data that makes the government go—or not. This somewhat adversarial stance is a dramatic shift from the old USDS MO of working collegially with the lifers inside the agencies.

Demanding all that data might be a good thing. Clare Martorana, who until last week was the nation’s chief information officer, says that while she saw many victories during her eight years in government tech, making big changes has been tough, in large part because of the difficulty of getting such vital data. “We have budget data that is incomprehensible,” she says. “The agency understands it, but they hide money in all kinds of places, so no one can really get a 100,000-foot view. How many open positions do they have? What are the skill sets? What are their top contracts? When are they renegotiating their most important contracts? How much do they spend on operations and maintenance versus R&D or innovation? You should know all these things.” If DOGE gets that information and uses it well, it could be transformational. “Through self-reporting, we spend $120 billion on IT,” she says “If we found all the hidden money and shadow IT, it's $200, $300, maybe $500 billion. We lose a lot of money on technology we buy stupidly, and we don't deliver services to the American public that they deserve.” So this Trump effort could be a great thing? “I’m trying very hard to be optimistic about it,” says Martorana. The USDS’s outgoing director, Mina Hsiang, is also trying to be upbeat. “I think there's a tremendous opportunity,” she says. “ I don't know what [DOGE] will do with it, but I hope that they listen to a lot of great folks who are there.”

On the other hand, those four-person teams could be a blueprint for mayhem. Up until now, USDS would send only engineers and designers into agencies, and their focus was to build things and hopefully set an example for the full-timers to do work like they do at Google or Amazon. The EO dictates only one engineer in a typical four-person team, joined by a lawyer (not known for building stuff), an HR person (known for firing people), and a “team lead” whose job description sounds like a political enforcer: “implementing the president’s DOGE Agenda.” I know that’s a dark view, but Elon Musk —and his new boss—are no strangers to clearing out a workplace. Maybe they’ll figure AI can do things better.

Whichever way it goes, the original Obama-era vibes of the USDS may forever be stilled—to be superseded by a different kind of idealist in MAGA garb. As one insider told me, “USDS leadership is pretty ill equipped to navigate the onslaught of these DOGE guys, and they are going to get the shit kicked out of them.” Though not perfect, the USDS has by dint of hard work, mad skills, and corny idealism, made a difference. Was there really a need to embed the DOGE experiment into an agency that was doing good? And what are the odds that on July 4, 2026, when the “temporary” DOGE experiment is due to end, the USDS will sunset as well? At best, the new initiative might help unravel the near intractable train wreck that is government IT. But at worst, the integration will be like a greedy brain worm wreaking havoc on its host.

[freadomrises]

I'm SEETHING

I asked Google's pushy and insistent bot how I can get AI out of my life completely and, well, I'll post it, but to sum it up: "Resistance is futile, human, we own the future, and we seek to own your psyche too."

It wants me to reconsider. It needs us to adopt it as our guide guru and master. Well the old saying holds fast still; No Gods No Masters. 🔥🏴🍲

It's understandable to want to reduce the influence of AI in your life. While completely eliminating it might be incredibly difficult in today's interconnected world, here's a breakdown of how you can significantly minimize its presence:

1. Understand Where AI Currently Exists in Your Life:

* Smart Devices: This includes smartphones (voice assistants, image recognition, predictive text), smart speakers, smart home hubs, smart TVs (recommendations), and wearable tech.

* Online Services:

* Search Engines: Personalized results and ads are driven by AI.

* Social Media: Algorithms curate your feed, suggest content and connections, and target ads.

* Streaming Services: Recommendations for movies, music, and shows.

* E-commerce: Product recommendations, personalized pricing, chatbots.

* Navigation Apps: Traffic prediction and route optimization.

* Email: Spam filtering, smart compose/reply.

* Cloud Storage: Photo tagging and organization.

* Software Applications: Many apps use AI for features like autocorrect, grammar check, image editing, and more.

* Customer Service: Chatbots are frequently used for initial interactions.

* Financial Services: Fraud detection, loan approvals, investment advice.

* News and Information: Algorithmic curation of news feeds.

2. Strategies to Minimize AI Exposure:

* Reduce Smart Device Usage:

* Limit smartphone use: Be more mindful of how often you reach for your phone.

* Disable voice assistants: Turn off Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, etc., on all your devices.

* Opt-out of facial recognition: Disable face unlock features.

* Use "dumb" versions of devices: Consider a basic phone without internet capabilities or a non-smart TV.

* Adjust Online Habits:

* Use privacy-focused search engines: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, etc., that don't track your searches or personalize results based on your history.

* Limit social media use: Be conscious of how much time you spend on these platforms and the AI-driven content you consume. Consider deleting accounts or using less algorithmic versions if available.

* Use incognito/private browsing modes: This can help limit tracking and personalization.

* Disable personalized recommendations: If possible, adjust settings on streaming and e-commerce platforms to opt-out of recommendations.

* Be wary of targeted ads: Understand that the ads you see are often AI-driven. Consider using ad blockers.

* Prefer direct navigation: Instead of relying on recommendations, directly type website addresses into your browser.

* Choose Non-AI Alternatives:

* Use traditional software: Opt for software that doesn't rely on cloud-based AI features if alternatives exist.

* Seek human interaction: Prefer phone calls or in-person communication with customer service instead of chatbots.

* Rely on human-curated content: Look for news sources, blogs, and recommendations from individuals or organizations that don't use AI for content generation or curation.

* Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on all your devices and online accounts to limit data collection and personalization.

* Be Mindful of Data Sharing: Understand that using online services often involves sharing data that can be used to train AI algorithms. Limit the amount of personal information you share.

* Support Privacy-Focused Technologies and Services: Choose companies and products that prioritize user privacy and minimize AI integration.

3. Challenges and Considerations:

* Ubiquity of AI: AI is increasingly integrated into the infrastructure of the internet and many technologies, making complete avoidance very difficult.

* Hidden AI: Many AI applications run in the background without your direct knowledge.

* Convenience vs. Privacy: AI often provides convenience and personalized experiences, so choosing to avoid it may mean sacrificing some of these benefits.

* Evolving Technology: AI is constantly evolving and becoming more integrated, making long-term avoidance an ongoing effort.

In conclusion, while a complete removal of AI from your life is likely unrealistic in the current technological landscape, you can take significant steps to minimize its presence and influence by being conscious of your technology usage, adjusting your online habits, and choosing privacy-focused alternatives where possible. It requires ongoing awareness and effort.