Latest news with #Pang
Tom's Guide
17 hours ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Apple's AI efforts dealt another major blow — this has caused 'an earthquake inside Apple'
Apple's push to catch up in the AI race has hit another serious roadblock. The company has lost Ruoming Pang, the highly respected leader of its foundation models team, to Meta — and insiders say the ripple effects are already being felt across Apple's AI division. Pang, who joined Apple in 2021 from Google DeepMind, was central to the company's efforts to build its own large language models (LLMs). His departure, along with that of several close collaborators, signals deeper unrest within Apple's AI ranks. As reported by The Information, Pang's exit and its aftermath has led to an 'earthquake inside Apple." You may like Why Pang's exit matters (Image credit: Shutterstock) Pang was known for his hands-on technical contributions, including developing a key open-source training tool for Apple's AI models. Under his leadership, Apple made strides in shrinking LLMs to run efficiently on iPhones, a critical part of its 'on-device AI' strategy. But those advances came with internal tensions. According to reporting from The Information, Pang's team had wanted to release some of Apple's AI models as open source earlier this year. This move could have shown progress while inviting collaboration from outside researchers. But Apple exec Craig Federighi reportedly shut it down, concerned it would expose performance compromises Apple made to run the models on iPhones. That disagreement was just one of many signs of friction between Apple's research-driven foundation models team and its product-focused leadership. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. A shift in power (and priorities) (Image credit: Shutterstock) Earlier this year, Apple reorganized its AI efforts following delays to its revamped Siri assistant. The Siri team was pulled from longtime AI chief John Giannandrea and placed under Federighi, who also oversees Apple's software division. Meanwhile, Pang's team remained with Giannandrea, but the separation highlighted a growing divide between R&D and product execution. Now, with Pang gone and several of his top researchers either leaving or exploring offers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, Apple faces a major talent drain at a critical moment. Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is testing outside models, including those from OpenAI and Google, to power Siri, a move that reportedly disheartened many on the internal AI team. The bigger picture (Image credit: Shutterstock) While Apple made headlines with its Apple Intelligence announcement in June, integrating ChatGPT into iPhones and showcasing writing and image-generation tools, the company's own foundation models remain behind closed doors. Insiders say there's still a lack of clear direction about whether Apple wants to compete head-to-head with models like GPT-4 or build more narrow, hardware-optimized tools. In an interview with Tom's Guide following WWDC 2025, Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, and Greg Joswiak, the senior vice president of worldwide marketing, made it clear that Apple doesn't want to make a chatbot. Without Pang's leadership and vision, some fear Apple's internal AI efforts could stagnate, or become overly reliant on outside partners. Others remain optimistic that the hiring of Zhifeng Chen, a former Google engineer now leading the foundation models team, will bring fresh momentum. Either way, Apple's AI ambitions face a decisive inflection point. As rivals like Meta, OpenAI and Google continue to poach top researchers and ship headline-grabbing models, Apple must prove it's still a serious contender in the generative AI era. More from Tom's Guide
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Jepak Bridge a monument of Sarawak's visionary leadership, says Tanjong Batu rep
Pang greets a runner during the Jepak Bridge Run 2025. BINTULU (July 21): The newly-completed Jepak Bridge is a powerful symbol of Sarawak's forward-thinking leadership, said Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang. He said the bridge was more than a physical link, and represented a bold step forward in transforming the rural landscape and catalysing economic growth in Bintulu and beyond. 'The bridge is not just an infrastructure — it is the manifestation of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government's commitment to rural transformation and inclusive development. 'It proves that when we say no one is left behind, we mean it,' he told The Borneo Post yesterday when asked about the bridge's significance ahead of its official opening on Wednesday by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Earlier, Pang joined Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas for the Jepak Bridge Run 2025. He said the Jepak Bridge ends decades of relying on ferry services — a daily challenge for thousands of residents in Jepak. 'With the bridge, transportation between Jepak and Tanjung Batu is faster, safer and more reliable. This is a change that brings direct improvements to the locals' quality of life. 'Residents now enjoy better access to education, jobs and healthcare. This has a real impact on the ground, not just figures on paper,' he said. He said the bridge, which strategically links Jepak, Samalaju and Bintulu Port, enhances logistics efficiency and accelerates industrial expansion in the northern region. Uggah receives his finishing medal from JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris as Pang (left) looks on. 'The bridge is also poised to redefine Bintulu's urban boundary, paving the way for population growth, new job opportunities, and expanded economic zones on both sides,' he said. As Sarawak's first double tower, double cable-stayed bridge with a dual four-lane carriageway, he said the project is a landmark achievement. He said it showcases the Sarawak government's technical capacity and unwavering commitment to infrastructure development. 'Let's be honest, this project was not a dream. It was delivered through strong political will, long-term planning, and Sarawak-centric governance.' He added Bintulu's strategic geographic position, deep-water port, natural gas reserves, and vast land availability make it an ideal hub for integrated development. Pang believed that the bridge adds momentum to Sarawak's green energy agenda, a vision championed by the premier. 'With our Premier's visionary leadership, I firmly believe that Sarawak is on the path to becoming a high-income state by 2030,' he added. Jepak Bridge Jepak Bridge Run johnny pang Sarawak leaders
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Enjoy TV5 offers Sabah producers primetime slot for films
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 Text Size: Yoko (middle) and Pang with other Safva delegates. CYBERJAYA: Enjoy TV5 has offered Sabah-based producers a dedicated primetime slot to air their completed films and content on its newly launched free-to-air channel. The proposal was made by TV5 Broadcasting Sdn Bhd chairperson Datin Yoko Chou during a courtesy visit by the Sabah Film and Visual Association (Safva) led by its president Chester Pang here on Saturday. Advertisement The meeting covered topics including content provider benefits, IP ownership, and broadcast structure, with ongoing discussions on one-year broadcast rights and number of scheduled airings. Pang said the proposed revenue-sharing model based on advertising was generally acceptable but requires further input from producers before implementation. A follow-up meeting is expected to take place in Kota Kinabalu soon before a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed. Enjoy TV5, Malaysia's only television channel dedicated exclusively to movies and entertainment, officially began broadcasting on May 10. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Day car-free event draws over 400 in Bintulu
Pang joins participants in an aerobics session during the Sarawak Day edition of the BCFM. BINTULU (July 19): More than 400 people took part in the Sarawak Day edition of the Bintulu Car-Free Morning (BCFM) held at Tanjung Batu Beach here today. The event kicked off with an aerobics session, followed by a plogging activity and a Fun Hunt Run. Participants of all ages also enjoyed traditional games and various family-friendly activities throughout the morning. Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, who joined the event, said programmes such as BCFM should continue in the coming months as they promote a healthy lifestyle and foster community engagement. 'BCFM is a meaningful initiative that benefits both the physical and mental well-being of the community. It provides a positive platform for people to come together and stay active,' he said. A symbolic marker was also placed to designate a 5-kilometre route, which will serve as a permanent feature for future BCFM events. Pang expressed hope that the dedicated route will encourage more members of the public — including children, students, youths and senior citizens — to take up jogging and cycling regularly. He also extended his appreciation to all parties involved, especially Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the main organiser of the event. 'I'm pleased to take part in today's BCFM. It not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but also helps reduce carbon emissions and supports our vision for a Low Carbon Industrial Hub by 2030,' he added. Bintulu Car-Free Day johnny pang sarawak day
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Meta hires two more Apple AI researchers after poaching their boss for Superintelligence push
Meta has hired two more senior Apple researchers for its newly formed Superintelligence Labs division, continuing its aggressive recruitment of top artificial intelligence talent. According to a report by Bloomberg, Mark Lee has already joined Meta, while Tom Gunter is expected to come on board shortly. Both were part of Apple's AI team and worked closely with Ruoming Pang, the former head of Apple's Foundation Models group, who recently left the company for a multi-million-dollar compensation package from brings the total to at least three major hires Meta has made from Apple's AI division in recent weeks. Pang, who was responsible for leading development of advanced AI models, including those behind Apple's plans for a smarter Siri, joined Meta earlier this month. His departure is considered a major setback for Apple's efforts in catching up with rivals like Google and has declined to comment on the hires, while Apple has yet to issue a response. These moves are part of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's larger vision to build artificial general intelligence (AGI) through a new unit called Superintelligence Labs. Zuckerberg recently announced that Meta would spend hundreds of billions of dollars over the next few years to support this push, including building massive data lead the AI charge, Meta brought in Alexandr Wang, founder of Scale AI, as its Chief AI Officer after investing in his company at a $29 billion valuation. In addition to ex-Apple researchers, Meta has also hired leading minds from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. This includes Yuanzhi Li, who worked on GPT models, and Anton Bakhtin, who contributed to Anthropic's Claude everyone in the tech industry is pleased with Meta's recruiting spree. OpenAI's head of research, Mark Chen, compared it to 'someone breaking into our home and stealing something.' OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also accused Meta of offering $100 million signing bonuses to his employees. However, Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth pushed back, saying such high pay deals were exaggerated and applied only to top leadership Apple is working quickly to rebuild its AI team. Pang's deputy, Tom Gunter, has also left, and the team will now be led by Zhifeng Chen, with added responsibilities shared among other Superintelligence Labs now includes more than a dozen top researchers from the world's leading AI labs, signalling how fierce the race has become to build the next generation of AI systems.- EndsTrending Reel
