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Talks between Apple and the union for the Apple Store in Oklahoma City have produced a tentative agreement that includes new benefits and protections for its staff. The Penn Square Mall Apple Store in Oklahoma City announced they’ve reached a “tentative labor agreement” with Apple and the Communication Workers of America (CWA), according to a released statement.

Terms are still being negotiated between both parties but the benefits for the store’s employees would be significant. The three-year agreement reached between the CWA and Apple would give employees a wage increase of up to 11.5 percent. An Apple spokesperson said by email that if the contract is ratified, employees would receive a 4 percent raise in the first year of employment and 3 percent in the second and third year each “based on employee performance.”

The agreement would also offer employees guaranteed paid time off and health and other benefits, allow employees to have a say in scheduling and the establishment of a “safer and more democratic workplace” through a grievance submission process with committees overseeing safety, health and working relations. An Apple spokesperson also noted the scheduling options “were provided to all other US stores in 2022.”

The Oklahoma City Apple Store had been working to form a union since 2022, becoming the second Apple Store in the US to unionize. Employees passed a strike authorization vote in August that passed with unanimous support and started a picket in front of the store ahead of bargaining sessions in early September. Workers will vote to ratify the tentative agreement on September 22.

CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase called the agreement achievement “a historic day for our members who have now secured a contract at the world’s most profitable company.”

The Apple Store in the Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland became the first location to unionize. Members approved the union in 2022 with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). A store in the Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, Georgia tried to form a union in 2022 with the CWA but workers called it off accusing Apple of committing “repeated violations of the National Labor Relations Act.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/an-apple-store-in-oklahoma-city-is-close-to-approving-an-union-agreement-for-its-workers-222605021.html?src=rss

At IFA 2024 in Berlin, Lenovo unveiled the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9), a cutting-edge laptop designed in collaboration with Intel. This new model represents a shift toward a seamless blend of human-centered design and powerful technology, aiming to make computing more productive and user-friendly. 

The Aura Edition: Smart Modes for Enhanced User Experience

One of the standout features of the Aura Edition is the inclusion of Smart Modes, which provide users with unprecedented control over system performance and settings. Accessible via the F9 key on the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, Smart Modes allow users to effortlessly switch between optimized settings for work, relaxation, or creative tasks. These AI-powered modes dynamically adjust system performance, ensuring the laptop operates at its best no matter what activity the user engages in.

Among the notable Smart Modes is Attention Mode, which helps users maximize productivity by blocking distracting websites, allowing them to focus on their work. The Wellness Mode features help for eye wellness and posture reminders help prevent fatigue and promote better posture during long working sessions. 

Wellness mode, posture correction

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition’s Collaboration Mode, with low-light enhancement, virtual presenter, and background blur for video calls, makes it an excellent choice for remote work and video conferencing.

Another key aspect is Shield Mode, which prioritizes privacy with features like privacy alerts, privacy guard with automatic background blur when someone peak at the displayed information. The auto prompt VPN ensuring that users can work securely when dealing with sensitive information.

Shield Mode, privacy guard, automatically blur the screen when someone behind the user looks at the display.

The  Smart Modes also provide quick access to power settings, enabling users to fine-tune battery life and performance based on their needs.

The Smart Share feature takes device integration to a new level, enabling seamless AI-driven image sharing between smartphones and the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition. This functionality supports both Android and iOS platforms, allowing users to easily transfer photos by tapping their phone on the screen’s edge. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes file sharing between devices simple and efficient, improving the workflow for creators and professionals who regularly use multiple devices.

Smart Share

Today, Lenovo unveiled two high-end Aura Edition laptops: the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition for the consumer segment and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Editio for the business market.

High-Performance Hardware Tailored to Creators

Under the hood, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is an Intel Evo Edition laptop powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V (Series 2) with integrated graphics. This 8-core hybrid processor delivers the performance needed for compute-intensive tasks, making the laptop ideal for content creators who demand high computing power. Complementing the CPU is a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers up to 48+ TOPS (tera operations per second), accelerating AI-driven applications for tasks such as image and video editing, 3D rendering, and other creative workflows.

With up to 32GB of 8533MHz RAM, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition can handle heavy multitasking, image-based content creation, and gaming. The 1TB of SSD storage provides ample space for large files and ensures fast data access. The laptop’s 70WHr battery supports extended creative sessions, allowing users to work for hours on a single charge.

Connectivity and Port Selection

On the connectivity side, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition features  Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The laptop also gets a comprehensive selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt™ 4, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI™ 2.1, and an audio combo jack, making it easy to connect to various peripherals and external displays.

Sustainability and Design

In keeping with Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is certified carbon neutral. Lenovo continues to emphasize eco-conscious design, and this model is no exception. Like all Lenovo Yoga laptops, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition comes with a complimentary 2-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud, providing users with access to industry-standard creative tools.

With a sleek, refined design, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is as visually appealing as it is powerful. The laptop balances aesthetics with performance, making it an ideal choice for creative professionals who need a high-performance machine that’s also stylish and portable.

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) will be available in September 2024 for $1299.

Lenovo Launches the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) at IFA 2024: A Stylish AI-Enabled Laptop With Enhanced User Experience

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Today at IFA, Withings unveiled its latest innovation, the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition. 

The sibling of the ScanWatch NOVA, which launched in December last year, the Brilliant Edition will be available in November 2024. It features a smaller 39mm case, catering to those with smaller wrists or anyone preferring a compact design.

This model is the most premium offering in Withings’ range, available in titanium silver and a two-tone silver and gold finish. Its design includes a fluted bezel and durable sapphire glass face, combining style with resistance to wear. 

Designed for active users, it is water-resistant up to 50 meters (5ATM) and comes equipped with a 5-link bracelet, for comfort and durability. The hybrid smartwatch combines analog charm with modern functionality, offering heart monitoring, notifications, and messages displayed on a high-resolution OLED screen. The silver model’s titanium bezel further enhances durability, while the gold model features a unique bi-color wristband.

Featuring advanced health-tracking technology, the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition offers medical-grade sensors, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) capable of detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib). Users can take a 30-second ECG reading by touching the bezel, with results accessible via the Withings app. The device also monitors body temperature changes to help with early detection of potential illness and support workout recovery. Additional features include monitoring blood oxygen (SpO2) and tracking breathing disturbances. The ScanWatch Nova Brilliant also monitors sleep quality and provides personalized improvement tips.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the watch’s ability to track over 40 daily activities, including walking, running, and swimming. It also assesses Fitness Levels through VO2 Max, a key indicator of aerobic capacity. Users can easily switch between a metal and an FKM wristband, both included in the box.

Available in the U.S., EU, and UK starting in November 2024, the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition is priced at $599.95, €599.95, and £549.95.

Withings Unveils the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition A Connected Luxury Watch With Health Tracking Features

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Talks between Apple and the union for the Apple Store in Oklahoma City have produced a tentative agreement that includes new benefits and protections for its staff. The Penn Square Mall Apple Store in Oklahoma City announced they’ve reached a “tentative labor agreement” with Apple and the Communication Workers of America (CWA), according to a released statement.

Terms are still being negotiated between both parties but the benefits for the store’s employees would be significant. The three-year agreement reached between the CWA and Apple would give employees a wage increase of up to 11.5 percent. An Apple spokesperson said by email that if the contract is ratified, employees would receive a 4 percent raise in the first year of employment and 3 percent in the second and third year each “based on employee performance.”

The agreement would also offer employees guaranteed paid time off and health and other benefits, allow employees to have a say in scheduling and the establishment of a “safer and more democratic workplace” through a grievance submission process with committees overseeing safety, health and working relations. An Apple spokesperson also noted the scheduling options “were provided to all other US stores in 2022.”

The Oklahoma City Apple Store had been working to form a union since 2022, becoming the second Apple Store in the US to unionize. Employees passed a strike authorization vote in August that passed with unanimous support and started a picket in front of the store ahead of bargaining sessions in early September. Workers will vote to ratify the tentative agreement on September 22.

CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase called the agreement achievement “a historic day for our members who have now secured a contract at the world’s most profitable company.”

The Apple Store in the Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland became the first location to unionize. Members approved the union in 2022 with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). A store in the Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, Georgia tried to form a union in 2022 with the CWA but workers called it off accusing Apple of committing “repeated violations of the National Labor Relations Act.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/an-apple-store-in-oklahoma-city-is-close-to-approving-an-union-agreement-for-its-workers-222605021.html?src=rss

ESR has launched at Showstoppers at IFA 2024 in Berlin the world’s first bi-fold wallet with built-in Apple Find My technology, the Geo Wallet, available on Kickstarter. This innovative wallet integrates seamlessly with Apple’s Find My network, allowing users to track its real-time location through the Find My app on iPhones, iPads, or Macs.

It features a slim rechargeable lithium battery, just 1.6 mm thick, that powers the tracking module and lasts up to 5 months on a full charge. The built-in speaker provides an audible signal to help locate the wallet if misplaced.

Measuring just 15 mm thick, the Geo Wallet is designed for comfort and convenience, avoiding the bulk of traditional tracking devices like AirTags. It also includes a spacious cash compartment, four card slots, two ID windows, and room for coins, making it ideal for organizing everyday essentials. The wallet is also equipped with RFID-blocking technology to protect against unauthorized scans and potential theft.

Crafted from vegan leather, the Geo Wallet combines durability with eco-friendliness. It meets RCS environmental standards and comes in seven color options, catering to a variety of styles. The wallet is available for an early bird price of $38 on Kickstarter, with shipping beginning in early September 2024.

This sleek, eco-conscious product from ESR offers a stylish solution for those who want the convenience of a traditional wallet paired with the security of modern tracking technology, without the added bulk of external tracking devices.

ESR Geo Wallet: World’s First Wallet With Apple’s ‘Find My’ Tech

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.