Apple Inc. is actively working on an advanced version of Siri that promises more natural and conversational interactions akin to those seen in OpenAI's ChatGPT. According to reports, this still-secret initiative involves the application of sophisticated large language models (LLMs) to enable dynamic back-and-forth dialogues. The revamped Siri is designed to process complex queries more swiftly and is part of Apple's broader goal to strengthen its presence in the artificial intelligence (AI) field.

Last month, Apple unveiled the Apple Intelligence platform. However, despite its significant announcement, this platform lags behind the functionality offered by other technology industry leaders. The advanced voice assistant, internally referred to by the Apple team as "LLM Siri," is expected to be integrated into the Apple Intelligence package. LLMs, which form the foundation of generative AI, analyze vast data sets to recognize patterns and respond to inquiries.

Apple is currently testing the updated Siri software through an independent application across various devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This technology is planned to eventually replace the current Siri interface. Plans indicate that Apple could introduce the renewed system, codenamed Luck and Cheer, as part of the upcoming iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates as early as 2025.

The new Siri won't be part of next year's hardware lineup but is anticipated to be available to consumers around spring 2026. However, due to the announcement being months away, details regarding the launch timeline and features may change.

An Apple spokesperson preferred not to comment on the developments.

The next version of Siri will leverage new Apple AI models to provide more human-like interaction and task management, similar to ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. It will also expand the use of App Intents for more detailed control over third-party applications and incorporate functionalities from Apple Intelligence, such as text writing and summarization capabilities.

Despite Apple's introduction of the AI platform in June as the beginning of a new Siri era, the initial updates were largely aesthetic. These included a new interface and the addition of a writing option as an alternative to voice commands. The upcoming iOS 18 is set to offer more enhancements, allowing Siri to utilize customer data for contextual command responses and to determine whether requests should be processed by the existing Siri system or a secondary LLM for more complex tasks.

The next-generation LLM in iOS 19 will establish a complete system with advanced ChatGPT-like features. Meanwhile, Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence next month and subsequently offer additional chatbot options similar to Gemini. The goal for the new Siri is to prioritize user privacy while internally combining these capabilities. However, Apple may continue to provide third-party AI systems for specialized functions.

Recent job postings by Apple indicate a heightened focus on developing a more conversation-centric Siri. These postings reflect Apple's long-standing desire to enhance Siri's interaction capabilities, showcasing its search for expertise in conversational AI interfaces. The Siri interaction team, led by Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design Alan Dye, has transitioned from the AI division to the software interface group to advance these efforts.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has reached a level of 94 today, indicating extreme risk appetite conditions in the market. This rise shows that the cryptocurrency market, led by Bitcoin, continues its strong upward trajectory. The index, which ranges from 0 (Extreme Fear) to 100 (Extreme Greed), measures investors' perceptions of the crypto market and provides insight into its direction.

Factors driving the index upwards include Bitcoin's rally in November, which brought it to all-time highs, boosting overall market optimism. As Bitcoin’s market dominance continues to rise, investor confidence remains high. Additionally, the overall market momentum and the increase in trading volumes are contributing to the index’s rise. Increased trading volumes and positive momentum have significantly contributed to the sharp increase in the index. While spot Bitcoin ETFs and institutional interest notably impact market activities, the Fear and Greed Index has jumped from 82 to 94, a 12-point rise since yesterday. Social media and investor interest also support the index. Google trends and activities on social media reflect a growing individual interest in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Surveys indicate that investors have a positive outlook for the upcoming months.

As a result, the Fear and Greed Index has reached levels last seen in February 2021. The increase in extreme risk appetite brings along a correction risk. The high market optimism suggests that many investors expect price increases to continue. However, historically, regions of extreme risk appetite can signal potential market corrections. While institutional investors may view current conditions as an opportunity for long-term positions, individual investors motivated by FOMO (fear of missing out) can also influence price increases during such periods. Analysts predict that Bitcoin may continue to guide the market, and as the index approaches the 100 level, warnings are given regarding potential corrections due to overbought conditions. In the long term, interest in cryptocurrencies supported by macroeconomic trends, such as inflation concerns and the depreciation of fiat currencies, is expected to persist. Considering these risks, it is crucial to closely monitor market developments, especially in the region of extreme risk appetite, and to be prepared.

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McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) USA is preparing to launch a new value menu called McValue in its restaurants starting January 7, 2025. This platform aims to enrich customers' dining experiences with various affordable offers. The McValue menu will include existing favorites like the $5 Meal Deal, along with new options such as Buy One, Add One for $1, valid for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's USA, emphasized the company's efforts to cater to individual customer preferences by offering a flexible platform that allows customers to define value on their own terms. The new value platform was developed in collaboration with franchise owners and is designed to provide savings on both personalized orders and popular items like the $5 Meal Deal.

The Buy One, Add One for $1 initiative will allow customers to pair a full-priced menu item from the McValue menu with another item for an additional $1. This offer includes breakfast menu items such as the Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito, and Hash Browns. Lunch and dinner options include 6-piece Chicken McNuggets, Double Cheeseburger, McChicken, and Small Fries.

The $5 Meal Deal, which includes a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink, has been extended throughout the summer and will now be part of the McValue platform. While prices and participation may vary, some restaurants may price the McDouble menu option at $6, this deal continues to be a cornerstone of the new value offerings.

Franchise owners nationwide will continue to reflect their commitment to providing value to customers by offering local promotions and app-based deals. Cory Watson, National Value President and McDonald's Owner/Operator for 2025, stressed the importance of competitive pricing for customers and highlighted ongoing efforts to provide great local offers, including exclusive discounted pricing on items like iced coffees and cheeseburgers, as well as unique menu bundles.

The McValue platform and offers will be accessible at any McDonald's nationwide and via the MyMcDonald's app starting January 7, 2025. Local offers and promotions will vary, as franchise owners are independent operators who set their own pricing.

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