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Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026
Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues. The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data centers, chips, and large language model training. This has fueled criticism that Apple is falling behind in the AI space, particularly as Siri has significantly lagged behind more advanced, capable, and reliable conversational systems. The report argues that market sentiment toward AI spending is beginning to show signs of skepticism, with questions emerging over whether such large investments can be justified by near-term revenue. Against that backdrop, Apple's decision to limit AI-specific capital expenditures has left it with more than $130 billion in cash and marketable securities, giving the company the option to pursue acquisitions or partnerships if valuations of AI startups fall. Apple's biggest AI-related move in 2026 will be the long-anticipated overhaul of Siri, which is expected to arrive in the spring. The updated assistant is set to be more conversational and capable of completing multi-step tasks. To power it, Apple is believed to be adopting Google's Gemini, reflecting an internal view that large language models may become commoditized and not worth the cost of large-scale proprietary development. The iPhone is said to be a key strategic advantage. Unlike AI companies that rely on standalone apps or web services, Apple can distribute AI features directly through software updates and system-level integrations across its devices. Efforts by AI companies to build competing hardware face major challenges in manufacturing, distribution, and ecosystem development, areas where Apple has very strong footholds. The Information also points to recent leadership changes as part of Apple's effort to refocus its AI work. Siri has been placed under Mike Rockwell, who was responsible for launching the Vision Pro headset, following significant delays to the assistant's overhaul. In addition, Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea announced his retirement earlier in December, with parts of his organization redistributed into product-focused teams amid internal concerns about a lack of clear product direction. While Apple has a history of early but uneven AI efforts, including the original launch of Siri in 2011, The Information argues that these shortcomings have not materially harmed its core businesses. 2026 may be an inflection point in which Apple's cautious strategy could appear prescient if enthusiasm for large-scale AI spending continues to cool and the company finally delivers a more capable version of Siri.Tags: Apple Intelligence, The Information This article, "Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Jackery and Anker Hosting New Year's Sales With Up to 65% Off
Anyone shopping for portable power stations can find up to 65 percent off Anker and Jackery's best accessories this week. Each retailer is hosting a New Year's sale for its most popular charging accessories, with major savings on these high-priced power stations that match Black Friday prices in many cases. Jackery Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Jackery and Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Jackery's event has up to $3,600 off select portable power stations this week. This includes everything from the smaller Explorer 500 to Jackery's line of HomePower Solar Generators that can power essential home electronics for as long as 30 days. UP TO $3,600 OFFJackery New Year's Sale Explorer 500 - $359.00, down from $499.00 Explorer 2000 v2 - $799.00, down from $1,499.00 Battery Pack 2000 Plus - $799.00, down from $1,399.00 Battery Pack 3600 - $999.00, down from $2,099.00 HomePower 3000 Solar Generator - $1,429.00, down from $2,499.00 Explorer 2000 v2 + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,399.00, down from $2,499.00 HomePower 3000 Solar Generator + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00 HomePower 3600 Plus Solar Generator - $2,099.00, down from $3,699.00 Explorer 5000 Plus - $4,099.00, down from $5,699.00 Anker SOLIX Similar to Jackery, Anker SOLIX is hosting a sale that has up to 65 percent off select portable power stations. Overall, Anker SOLIX has a few more affordable options coming in under $500, as well as numerous high-end stations with various accessories like solar panels and expandable batteries. UP TO 65% OFFAnker SOLIX New Year's Sale Anker 521 PowerHouse (300W) - $129.00, down from $249.99 Anker 535 PowerHouse (500W) - $249.00, down from $649.99 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $429.00, down from $799.00 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 + Solar Panel - $649.99, down from $1,298.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $749.99, down from $1,498.00 SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station - $1,199.00, down from $2,599.00 SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station - $1,998.95, down from $3,999.00 SOLIX F3000 + Expansion Battery + Solar Panel - $2,199.00, down from $5,397.00 SOLIX F3800 Plus Smart Home Power Kit - $4,693.95, down from $8,897.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Jackery and Anker Hosting New Year's Sales With Up to 65% Off" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Bic Runga Returns To Australia With First New Album In 15 Years & Massive National Tour
Strap yourselves in, nostalgics – Bic Runga is finally coming back to Australia. And it’s not just a polite little visit… it’s a full-blown national tour with new music in tow, and New Zealand musician Silicon (aka Kody Nielson, the brother of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Ruban Nielson) on support duties. After quietly working her magic in Paris over the past year, the Kiwi songwriting legend has announced the Red Sunset Tour, hitting Aussie stages this April to celebrate her first album of all-new original material in 15 years. Yep. FIFTEEN. Bic Runga – ‘Red Sunset’ The tour will see Bic glide through five capital cities, serving up songs from her forthcoming album Red Sunset (out Friday, February 13, 2026) alongside the classics that raised us all – ‘Drive’, ‘Sway’, ‘Beautiful Collision’, ‘Get Some Sleep’ and all the ones that make you stare out a bus window pretending you’re in a movie. As for the new record? Red Sunset was recorded in Paris during the winter of 2025 and marks Bic’s first full album of original material since 2011’s Belle. The title track – out now – is a heart-on-its-sleeve torch song about longing, distance and being the one left behind, co-produced by Bic alongside Kody Nielson. It follows earlier singles ‘It’s Like Summertime’ (a nostalgic love letter to childhood friendships) and ‘Paris in the Rain’, which was literally written while watching torrential rain lash the Louvre and recorded on a historic 1807 French Pleyel piano (because of course it was). Bottom line? If you grew up with Bic Runga soundtracking your teenage heartbreaks, awkward car trips, or very serious bedroom cry sessions – this tour is going to absolutely ruin you in the best possible way. Peep all the details down below. BIC RUNGA – RED SUNSET AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2026 with special guest Silicon Thursday 9 April – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne Saturday 11 April – Princess Theatre, Brisbane Sunday 12 April – City Recital Hall, Sydney Tuesday 14 April – Canberra Theatre, Canberra Thursday 16 April – Freo.Social, Fremantle Tickets on sale now at livenation.com.au Further Reading Love Letter To A Record: Quails On Bic Runga’s ‘Drive’ R3HAB And Amy Shark Unite To Share Fresh Take On Bic Runga’s ‘Sway’ Silicon Booted From Laneway Festival Tour For Allegedly “Kissing A Cop’s Gun” The post Bic Runga Returns To Australia With First New Album In 15 Years & Massive National Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article
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Apple to Give Away Free Limited-Edition AirTag in Japan
Apple this week revealed its annual New Year Sale in Japan, offering Apple Gift Cards worth up to ¥38,000 alongside a free limited-edition AirTag for qualifying iPhone purchases. The AirTag features a special engraving of a Daruma, a traditional Japanese talisman commonly associated with perseverance, good fortune, and the achievement of goals. The AirTag offer is limited to 65,000 units in total and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. だるまAirTagかわいいな >> Appleの初売り また、初売り限定の特別バージョンとして、Daruma(だるま)をあしらったAirTagも登場。対象のiPhone 16、iPhone 16 Plus、iPhone 16eを購入した先着6万5000名にプレゼントされます。#Apple #Apple初売り pic.twitter.com/TYpXqwYRla — Noric2025 (@Noric2014) December 26, 2025 Customers can receive gift cards worth up to ¥12,000 for eligible iPhone purchases, up to ¥38,000 for Mac purchases, and up to ¥15,000 for iPad purchases. Apple Watch purchases qualify for gift cards worth up to ¥8,000, while AirPods purchases are eligible for gift cards valued at up to ¥12,000. The promotion will run from January 2 through January 5 and is available through Apple retail stores and the Apple Online Store in Japan. The New Year Sale has become a recurring annual event for Apple in Japan, where holiday retail traditions differ from those in the United States and Europe. Tag: Japan This article, "Apple to Give Away Free Limited-Edition AirTag in Japan" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Meet Pincer+: Perth Hardcore’s New Breakout Band
If your idea of a good time involves blown-out riffs, sweat dripping from the ceiling and feeling personally attacked by a breakdown, allow us to introduce your new obsession: Pincer+. The Perth hardcore crew have just dropped their debut album Who Are You When No One’s Around, and it’s the kind of record that doesn’t just slap – it straight up punches you in the teeth. Pincer+ – ‘endless’ The album dives headfirst into themes of isolation, guilt, anger and that eerie emotional limbo between feeling everything and feeling nothing. According to the band, it’s about “losing control, pulling yourself apart, and trying to figure out who you are… facing the parts of yourself that only show up when no one’s watching.” If you’ve already clocked singles like ‘Hard 2 Kill’, ‘Blue Light Overdose’ or ‘Yours To Erase’, you’ll hear just how hard this band have levelled up. Following recent lineup changes – with Jaiden Higgon stepping in on vocals and Isryan Shah on bass – Pincer+ made the call to wipe the slate clean and rebuild from the ground up. The result? A record that feels heavier, more focused, and way more dangerous than anything they’ve done before. Despite being early in their journey, Pincer+ already boast a cult-like following and have shared stages with absolute juggernauts like Kublai Khan, Stray From The Path, Like Moths To Flames, Justice For The Damned, Void Of Vision and In Hearts Wake – not bad for a band that’s only just getting started. They’ll officially launch the album at Perth’s Froth & Fury Festival in January 2026 alongside Polaris, Soulfly and more, before tearing up the East Coast in February with Zuko. Pincer+ are Jaiden Higgon (vocals), Josh Ang & Jordan Burn (guitars), Isryan Shah (bass) and Jack Nelson (drums), and with Who Are You When No One’s Around now out in the wild, this feels like the moment where Perth hardcore officially gets its next breakout band. Suss their upcoming live dates down below or get their new record into your ears right here. Froth & Fury 2026 Dates Saturday January 24 – Perth HPC, Mount Claremont, W.A – Tickets Here Dates Supporting Zuko Friday, 13th Feb – The Catfish, Melbourne – SOLD OUT Saturday, 14th Feb – The Burdekin Hotel, Sydney Friday, 27th Feb – The Brightside, Brisbane Tickets on sale now via Oztix Further Reading Froth & Fury 2026 Line-Up: Polaris, Soulfly, In Hearts Wake + More The post Meet Pincer+: Perth Hardcore’s New Breakout Band appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article
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RedHook’s Alex Powys Talks 10 Drummers Who Influenced His Playing On ‘Mutation’
Every drummer is unique. Our playing styles are an extension of both who we are as people, and the influences that have shaped us creatively. And the best in the game will always tell you that they never stop learning from the talented people around them. As I wrote this, RedHook had just wrapped up a big tour of the UK and Europe with Welsh heavy rockers Dream State, and some of my favourite memories from the road were just sitting in the green room with their drummer, Tom Connelly, and nerding out on the practice pad about some particularly tricky paradiddles. He’s got this really unique style of playing, heavily influenced by jazz, and those little hang sessions genuinely taught me so much. I had some fun homework to do after I got home! RedHook – ‘Dr. Frankenstein’ Ft. Holding Absence For me, Tre Cool (Green Day), Rob Bourdon (Linkin Park) and Andy Hurley (Fall Out Boy) are the OG’s who really kick-started my passion for drumming and inspired me to pursue it as a career. But in the spirit of RedHook’s 2024 ARIA-nominated album ‘Mutation’ being all about change, growth and evolution, I really wanted to push myself to new limits and reach outside the box when it came to a lot of the playing. Like the record itself, the drum parts are dynamic, diverse and pulled from a range of different influences. This list has no particular order, but below are 10 of the key drummers who helped influence my playing style on Mutation, and inspired me to go into the studio with the best intentions for creating an album that I am extremely proud of. 1. Ben Gordon – Parkway Drive I have to start with Ben Gordon, since he’s the reason I bought my first set of kick pedals. Listening to the Horizons album got me hungry for learning double kick and incorporating it into my playing style. And while there aren’t entire sections of 16th note kicks throughout any of the songs on the new RedHook album (we’ll get there one day), the speed and power you hear in songs like ‘Scream 2’ and ‘Bomb.com’ are definitely inspired by Ben’s playing. Horizons is an album that I can listen to time and time again, and still always find myself tapping both feet against the ground. Also special mention to ‘Idols and Anchors’ and ‘Carrion’, which are pretty much the reasons I added a second pedal to my kit configuration! 2. Luke Holland – Various Bands I can’t write this list without including the man himself, Luke Holland. We used his MixWave VST plug-in throughout the pre-production phase to create a framework for what we wanted all the drums to sound like on the LP. More importantly, using his sample pack inspired the incorporation of stack-cymbals, which was another integral part of the huge drum sound. You can hear a heavy influence from Luke’s kit configuration, as well as tasteful playing when it comes to ghost notes, odd placements and more progressive style grooves in songs like ‘Pyromaniac’, ‘Cannibal’ and ‘Bomb.com’. Luke is gearing up to be one of the all time greats and I continue to learn from him every day! 3. Stevie Knight – Producer Where to begin. Stevie Knight is an extra special mention on this list. Not only is he our good mate, our producer and (just quietly) one of the most skilled session drummers in the game, he’s also someone who sees the potential in what I’m able to accomplish behind the kit and always pushes me to get there in the best way possible. I have to credit a lot of the drum performance that made it on the album to his guidance, encouragement and taste. Without him, I wouldn’t have had the drive to become better every day. and propel myself to perform some of the best music I’ve ever been involved with. If you read this Stevie, I love you and I appreciate you more than you know. 4. Dan Furnari – Polaris Dan holds a special place in my heart, I greatly admire and respect him as both a drummer and as a person. I reached out to him a few years ago when I felt like I was digging my wheels into the sand when it came to progressing in my drumming journey. Seeing all of the amazing things he was achieving with Polaris and just his skill level in general was inspiring, so I thought I’d see if he could share some insights. Not only was he kind enough to respond, we eventually tee’d up some one-on-one lessons, which really helped put me back on the right path. My chops, speed and technique significantly improved due to his guidance, which allowed me to really step up the playing on Mutation. Thank you Dan! 5. Sam Applebaum – Veil of Maya Sam is another drummer that never ceases to amaze me. His skill behind the kit is second to none and the intricacies within each song in their [m]other record really inspired me to write some extra exciting parts for Mutation. You can find his inspiration within songs like ‘Cannibal’, ‘HEXXX’ and ‘Scream 2’. ‘Synthwave Vegan’ is a song that I constantly referred to when I was preparing to go into the studio – the syncopated breakdown, limb placement and overall intention inspired a lot of my playing on the album as a whole. 6. Gabe Helguera – I Prevail Gabe is a sensational drummer who gives a lot back to the drumming community by sharing his experiences, lessons and stories online (which I follow religiously!). The drumming he lends to I Prevail’s TRAUMA record is truly exceptional. He serves each song perfectly and embodies what the phrase “playing with intention” truly means. I drew heavy inspiration from this album and Gabe’s playing style to ensure each track on RedHook’s Mutation was served to its fullest potential. You can find specific inspiration from Gabe in tracks like ‘Dr. Frankenstein’ and ‘Hot Tub’. 7. Chris Turner – Oceans Ate Alaska Chris is one of those drummers who is almost supernatural in terms of his playing, creativity and consistency. After getting my feet to a comfortable level that allowed me to play RedHook songs consistently well, I looked towards Chris to push me even further. His kick-bursts and odd placements, despite being extremely challenging, inspired me to incorporate some intricate parts into songs like ‘Hurt Like Hell’, ‘Pyromaniac’ and most obviously, ‘Bomb.com’. After recently sharing the stage with him at Core Fest in Germany, I can confirm, this lad can play! 8. Patrick Galante – Ice Nine Kills (‘Welcome To Horrorwood’) Patrick’s diverse combination of pop, punk, metal and prog playing styles is something that I also strive to offer as a drummer. and tried to incorporate throughout the whole of Mutation. His ability to incorporate complex kick patterns within a dance beat (which you can hear in ‘A Rash Decision’) inspired me to consider how it could sound by making a fundamentally common beat more interesting and tasteful. He’s an incredible drummer and I always enjoy watching him perform.I’m excited to see where his journey takes him after leaving Ice Nine Kills. 9. Adam Savage – While She Sleeps Adam is a drummer that I can listen to for hours on end. His raw punk/metal style is infectious and always gets you feeling hyped. The title track of their Sleeps Society LP really pushed me to build my kick speed in order to play some turbo parts in songs like ‘Scream 2’ and ‘Hurt Like Hell’. He serves each song on ‘Sleeps Society’ perfectly and I have to credit him for my progress over the past few years. 10. Craig Reynolds – Stray From The Path Craig is a drummer who proves that, with passion and drive, you can achieve greatness. Seeing his journey over the years and how far he has come in terms of what he is able to play is something I draw a huge amount of inspiration from. Songs like ‘Guillotine’ and ‘Needful Things’ greatly improved my metric modulation, leading with the left foot and drive to write more complex drum parts. Our song ‘Bomb.com’ in particular draws a lot of influence from Craig’s playing style and the creativity he pours into his drumming. BONUS ROUND: My Bandmates I feel it would be remiss of me to not mention my bandmates Emmy, Craig and Ned who are all integral to making RedHook what it is. Despite not being drummers (which I know is the reason for this list), the three of them have influenced me to create something bigger than myself, and music that helps and inspires people. And as some final words to all of my fellow drummers out there: show love, show gratitude, show respect, never stop learning and striving for great things. Further Reading The Amity Affliction Announce Massive 2026 Regional Aussie Tour Metal Drummer Musical Chairs? Jay Weinberg Officially Joins Suicidal Tendencies COG’s Lucius Borich On The Five Greatest Drummers Of All Time The post RedHook’s Alex Powys Talks 10 Drummers Who Influenced His Playing On ‘Mutation’ appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article
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The 5 Most Important Apple Software Features Introduced This Year
2025 was a significant year of advancement for Apple's software, with a noticeable focus on visual design, productivity, and communication. While Apple introduced and continued to iterate on a wide range of features throughout the year, several additions stood out for their scope and practical impact across multiple devices. As the year comes to an end, these five new features provide a useful lens for weighing up what the company focused on this year and how far its platforms evolved in 2025. Liquid Glass This year's most immediately visible change is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new system-wide visual design language applied across Apple's operating systems. Liquid Glass replaces many of the flat, opaque UI elements introduced over the past decade with layered translucency, subtle refraction, and motion-responsive surfaces that react to underlying content. Navigation bars, sidebars, control panels, and system overlays now appear as semi-transparent sheets that blend into their surroundings rather than sitting on top of them. Apple framed this as a unifying material across platforms rather than a purely aesthetic refresh, with the same visual logic appearing on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. In practice, it is one of Apple's biggest visual redesigns since the original iOS 7 shift away from skeuomorphism, and it signals a renewed focus on making the interface feel fresh, spatial, playful, and responsive rather than static. Revamped iPad Multitasking On the iPad, the most consequential change is the introduction of an all-new multitasking system with windows and a macOS-style Menu Bar and cursor in iPadOS 26. Apps can now run in freely resizable windows rather than being constrained to fixed split-screen layouts, allowing multiple overlapping windows to coexist on screen. Alongside this, a Menu Bar appears at the top of the display when invoked, exposing app commands in a structured, searchable format similar to macOS. Instead of asking users to adapt desktop workflows to a touch-first model, Apple has now explicitly imported desktop interaction styles into iPadOS, addressing a significant number of user complaints about the software limitations of the iPad. For users who want to use the iPad with true multitasking and desktop-style workflows, this is one of the most substantive capability upgrades the platform has ever received. More Powerful Mac Spotlight On the Mac, Spotlight received its most extensive overhaul to date, transforming it from a passive search tool into an actions-first command interface, similar to third-party apps like Alfred or Raycast. Spotlight in macOS Tahoe can now execute hundreds of actions directly from the search field. Users can create and edit notes, send emails and messages, start timers, run Shortcuts, adjust system settings, and perform app-specific commands, without opening the corresponding app. Apple also redesigned Spotlight's results presentation with richer, more structured browsing views. Instead of returning a flat list of matches, Spotlight now surfaces grouped results for files, applications, actions, and suggestions, allowing users to scan and refine results more quickly. Spotlight now includes a built-in clipboard history, allowing users to view and reuse previously copied text or images directly from the Spotlight interface. Apple also integrated an app library-style view, providing a centralized, searchable overview of all installed applications. Live Translation Another major addition is Live Translation. Real-time translation now operates inside Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, translating both text and spoken audio during conversations. In Messages, incoming and outgoing text can be translated inline. In FaceTime, Live Translation provides real-time translated captions during video calls, allowing participants to speak naturally while reading translations as the conversation unfolds. In phone calls, spoken dialogue can be translated in near real time, with translated audio and on-screen text presented during the call. Apple also extended Live Translation to AirPods, enabling real-time spoken translation directly through the earbuds during in-person conversations. When Live Translation is active, speech from another language can be translated on the paired iPhone and played back in the user's AirPods, while the user's responses can be translated and spoken aloud by the iPhone for the other participant. Communication Screening and Hold Assist Call Screening allows the iPhone to automatically answer calls from unknown numbers on the user's behalf. The system asks the caller to identify themselves and explain the reason for the call, then presents the user with a live transcript of the response before the call is connected. With Hold Assist, when a user is placed on hold during a phone call, the iPhone can remain in the queue on their behalf and monitor the call until a live agent becomes available. Once the system detects that the call has resumed, it notifies the user to return to the conversation. In Messages, Apple introduced more aggressive screening for unknown senders. Messages from numbers that are not in the user's contacts are automatically routed into a separate area, keeping potential spam and scam attempts out of the main conversation list. This article, "The 5 Most Important Apple Software Features Introduced This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Meet The Admired: Sydney’s New Emo-Pop Sweethearts You’re About To Fall For
If your Spotify Wrapped still has Motion City Soundtrack, The Starting Line and a suspicious amount of Jimmy Eat World lurking in it… congratulations friend, you’ve just found your new favourite local band. The Admired are a brand-new Sydney emo-pop duo made up of Max Jacobson and Bianca Davino, the creative forces formerly known as pop-punk staples Grenade Jumper – and they’ve quietly dropped a debut mini-EP that feels like it was beamed straight out of your 2012 Tumblr dashboard. The Admired – 3 Songs Their three-track release, aptly titled 3 songs, is the perfect entry point into the band’s world. It includes the shimmering it-girl anthem ‘Dancefloor’, nostalgic love-letter-to-the-fans ‘All I’ve Got’, and the track that kicked everything off – ‘Fame&Money’ – which Bianca describes as “the spark that really kicked off our direction for The Admired.” Written from the perspective of a chaotic, larger-than-life main character, ‘Fame&Money’ dives into ambition, passion and the emotional whiplash of chasing the spotlight – all wrapped in 2000’s emo DNA that fans of Motion City Soundtrack and The Starting Line will instantly clock. What makes The Admired even sweeter is how DIY this whole thing is. The project was literally recorded in Max’s Enmore bedroom – the same room he works his 9-5 in – transformed into a makeshift studio filled with 2000’s magazines, cult-classic DVDs, music memorabilia and a dangerous amount of vinyl. The EP was fully self-produced and engineered by the band, before being mixed and mastered by Nat Sherwood (BESTIES / Stand Atlantic / Yours Truly), giving it that polished-but-personal feel that emo thrives on. You might recognise their names already. Before becoming The Admired, Bianca and Max toured the country with Grenade Jumper, sharing stages with Yours Truly, RedHook, Between You & Me, Bakers Eddy and more. They also scored triple j rotation through collabs with Trophy Eyes and Dear Seattle, played Unify Gathering, sold out hometown shows, and smashed out national headline tours. Since launching The Admired, the duo have supported Origami Angel and Bakers Eddy, headlined Sydney Music’s Cupholder event, and picked up serious momentum thanks to debut single ‘Dream Pop Blues’, which landed on triple j Unearthed TOPS and snagged Apple Music playlist love. They’re already heading back into the studio in the new year, with Bianca promising brand new demos and another EP on the way. So if you’re craving emo hooks, pop choruses and that bittersweet feeling of screaming lyrics into your steering wheel at traffic lights – The Admired are your people. Stream 3 Songs up above. Further Reading PREMIERE: Grenade Jumper Share New Hook-Heavy, Pop Punk-Soaked Single ‘HEAT WAVE’ Love Letter To A Record: A Will Away On Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘Commit This To Memory’ FLASHBACK: UNIFY Forever 2022 Lineup The post Meet The Admired: Sydney’s New Emo-Pop Sweethearts You’re About To Fall For appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article
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Cry Club Have Announced Their Third Album, ‘High Voltage Anxiety’
Cry Club are officially in their feral era. The Naarm electro-punks have announced their hotly anticipated third album High Voltage Anxiety, landing March 27, 2026 – and they’ve kicked the door clean off the hinges with fresh cut, ‘Retaliate’. The track is a scorched-earth blast of industrial pop rage, with vocalist Heather Riley (they/them) calling it “a torch-and-pitchfork party soundtrack.” Lyrically, the tune takes aim at the cost-of-living crisis and the ever-widening wealth gap – “Nothing’s a risk if you’re rich!” – channelling fury into something that feels equal parts protest chant and sweaty warehouse rave. Cry Club – ‘Retailate’ Heather says it’s all about trying to outrun the creeping sense of hopelessness that comes with existing in late-stage capitalism, following on thematically from recent singles like title track ‘High Voltage Anxiety’ and the rallying cry of ‘This, Forever’. What makes this record hit harder is that High Voltage Anxiety is Cry Club’s first fully self-recorded, self-produced and self-engineered album. No middle-men, no compromises – just Heather and guitarist Jonathon Tooke (he/him) taking their sweet time to figure out how to “hold onto hope in a clenched fist.” Heather says it’s the most “us” they’ve ever sounded: furious, frustrated, but also reflective of how much the band has grown and the people who’ve shaped them along the way. “We are so angry because we love and care about this world so much,” they explain. “That love drives us to demand better from the people trying to do harm to what we’ve all built.” For Jonathon, the new album finally gives Cry Club a name for their sound: “industrial pop” – the intensity of punk and industrial music, wrapped around their unwavering love of pop song structures. It follows a huge 18 months that’s seen the duo tour Europe for the first time, join The Darkness on their Aussie run, and support the likes of WAAX and Stand Atlantic, all while clocking over 2.5 million Spotify streams and cementing their status as one of the country’s most thrilling and singular acts. You can pre-order their forthcoming High Voltage Anxiety LP here, or stream new single ‘Retaliate’ up above. Further Reading Cry Club on How to Navigate the Music Industry Post-Covid Rachel Maria Cox: My Favourite LGBTQIA+ Pop Songs Cry Club Celebrate Pride Month With ‘People Like Me’ Music Video The post Cry Club Have Announced Their Third Album, ‘High Voltage Anxiety’ appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article
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HashiCorp Terraform Training: From Beginner to Certified Associate
Infrastructure shifts rapidly across cloud environments. The HashiCorp Terraform training & certification program equips you to manage these changes safely and efficiently using Terraform as code. Terraform Fundamentals Explained Terraform transforms servers, networks, and applications into simple code files. It supports AWS, Azure, GCP, and any cloud or on-premises setup seamlessly. Define desired infrastructure using HCL syntax, run terraform plan to preview changes, then terraform apply to execute safely. Eliminate console clicking and manual scripting entirely. Core advantages include Git-based version control, automatic drift detection, and reusable modules. Manages everything from basic VMs to complex DNS configurations. HashiCorp’s open-source CLI tool handles both low-level resources and high-level SaaS integrations. Begin with terraform init to bootstrap, followed by plan for dry runs and apply for real changes. Terraform destroy provides clean teardown when needed. Benefits of HashiCorp Terraform Training Infrastructure as Code (IaC) reduces errors by 50-70% compared to manual processes. This certification validates foundational knowledge of workflows, state management, and modules—essential for cloud engineering roles. The 60-minute exam includes 57 questions with a 70% passing score at $70.50, valid for 2 years. Significant advantages: Predictable Modifications: Preview exact changes before implementation. Collaborative State Handling: Remote backends with locking prevent conflicts. Code Reusability: Modules from public registry accelerate development. Provider Agnostic: Single syntax across multiple cloud platforms. Complete Auditability: Git repositories track every infrastructure evolution. Organizations rely on these skills for rapid, secure scaling operations. Detailed Training Curriculum The 15-hour program offers flexible delivery: 15-hour online instructor-led public batches, 3-day classroom sessions, or 3-day corporate training. Covers integration with top 25 IaC tools. Topic AreaKey SkillsEssential Commands/ToolsIaC FoundationsCore concepts and advantagesterraform init, plan Complete WorkflowWrite, validate, apply, destroy cyclesvalidate, fmt, taintState ManagementLocal vs. remote storage, locking mechanismsbackend configurationModule DevelopmentSourcing, inputs, outputsTerraform Registry, versioningProvider ConfigurationPlugins, multi-provider setupsAWS, Azure, GCP providersAdvanced FeaturesVariables, functions, drift correctionimport, refresh operations Includes real-world projects using Java, Python, and .NET microservices architectures. Ideal Program Participants Designed for cloud engineers, IT operations professionals, and developers new to IaC. Basic command-line familiarity suffices as a prerequisite. Recommended profiles: Operations teams standardizing repeatable infrastructure. Developers automating deployment environments. Architects enforcing consistent cloud patterns. Entry-level candidates targeting IaC positions. System requirements: Windows, Mac, or Linux with 2GB RAM minimum. Labs utilize AWS Free Tier or local virtual machines. DevOpsSchool Program Superiority DevOpsSchool dominates Terraform, DevOps, Ansible, and Kubernetes training landscapes. Lifetime Learning Management System (LMS) access delivers session recordings, detailed notes, presentation slides, step-by-step web tutorials, and comprehensive interview preparation kits. Instructors possess 10-15 years of verified industry experience following rigorous profile screening, technical assessments, and teaching demonstrations. Dedicated job forums provide ongoing support alongside 50+ interview question sets. Competitive advantages: FeaturesDevOpsSchoolCompetitorsLifetime LMS AccessFully IncludedTime-LimitedInterview Preparation50+ Comprehensive SetsLimited QuestionsReal-World ProjectsMicroservices End-to-EndBasic ExercisesTechnical SupportLifetime AvailabilityRestricted Duration Classroom venues available in Bangalore and Hyderabad; global online delivery through GoToMeeting. Rajesh Kumar: Principal Program Mentor Rajesh Kumar governs and mentors the HashiCorp Terraform training & certification program, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, Terraform, and multi-cloud Infrastructure as Code implementations. He has trained thousands across Bangalore and Pune on production multi-cloud Terraform deployments, sharing practical strategies like state locking to prevent conflicts and module composition for enterprise scalability. Rajesh draws from extensive experience optimizing AWS, Azure, and GCP infrastructures. His instruction combines hands-on demonstrations with immediate query resolution. As lead instructor at DevOpsSchool, Rajesh integrates Terraform with advanced AWS/GCP laboratory environments for production-applicable outcomes. Authentic Learner Testimonials Participants deliver consistent outstanding feedback: “The training was very useful and interactive. Rajesh helped develop the confidence of all.” – Abhinav Gupta, Pune (5.0) “Rajesh is a very good trainer. He resolved our queries effectively with hands-on examples.” – Indrayani, India (5.0) “Good training session on basic DevOps concepts. Working sessions were strong despite time constraints.” – Ravi Daur, Noida (5.0) “Very well organized training, helped understand DevOps concepts and tools in detail. Very helpful.” – Sumit Kulkarni, Software Engineer (5.0) “Thanks Rajesh, training was good. Appreciate the knowledge shared.” – Vinayakumar, Project Manager, Bangalore (5.0) Reviews maintain perfect 5.0 ratings, praising job readiness preparation. Certification Examination Overview Features 57 multiple-choice questions over 60 minutes requiring 70% passing score. No prerequisites; practice environments permitted during preparation. Domain breakdown: IaC concepts (12%), workflow (24%), state management (19%), modules (13%). Examination DomainPercentagePreparation EmphasisIaC Principles12%Benefits and implementation patternsCore Workflow24%init/plan/apply/destroy sequencesState Operations19%Backends and locking configurationsModule Architecture13%Sourcing strategies and variables Extensive laboratory practice ensures exam readiness. Career Trajectory Enhancement Certified professionals secure Terraform Engineer and Cloud IaC Specialist positions. Complements Kubernetes certifications for advanced roles. Strong market demand drives competitive compensation packages. Essential Terraform Terminology Critical vocabulary: infrastructure as code principles, terraform init plan apply workflow, remote state backend, Terraform Module Registry, provider configurations, HCL declarative syntax, resource and data source management, input variables and outputs, configuration drift detection, remote state collaboration. Conclusion and Overview The HashiCorp Terraform training & certification program establishes foundational IaC proficiency for secure infrastructure management. Rajesh Kumar at DevOpsSchool delivers balanced theory, extensive hands-on labs, and practical projects spanning AWS, Azure, and GCP environments. Achieve certification confidence and code infrastructure effectively today. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 https://www.devopsschool.com/ View the full article
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Apple Shares New 'Quit Quitting' Apple Watch Ads
Ahead of 2026 and associated New Year's resolutions, Apple has started sharing new social media ads focused on the Apple Watch as a motivational tool. In a series of "quit quitting" spots, Apple Watch owners run away from a bed, a recliner, and a bar stool. Each spot includes a glimpse of the Apple Watch Workout app and messages that the device provides while running. The Apple Watch is able to provide updates on pace and activity segment, as well as alerts when activity rings are closed. Each ad ends with the tagline "Don't Give In," and one ad also says that most people have quit their resolutions by January 9. Each ad is titled "Quit quitting with Apple Watch." Apple has been sharing the ads on social media, and they've also been uploaded to YouTube Shorts. Tag: Apple Ads This article, "Apple Shares New 'Quit Quitting' Apple Watch Ads" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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More Roomba Vacuums Get Matter Support for HomeKit Integration
Over the last few weeks, iRobot has added Matter support to more of its Roomba robot vacuums, allowing them to be integrated with the Home app and used with Siri voice commands. Matter integration has been available for the Roomba Combo 10 Max since earlier this year, but existing Roomba Plus 500 Combo, Roomba Max 700 Vac, and Roomba Max 700 Combo vacuums can get Matter support through a firmware update. Matter has not yet been re-added for the Roomba Combo J7 and J9. Matter-enabled Roomba vacuums can be added to the Home app on devices running iOS 18.4 or higher, as long as a Home hub is available (Apple TV or HomePod). The Home app doesn't support the full suite of features available with robot vacuums, but basic commands are available. Vacuums can be set to vacuum and mop an entire home, or a specific room or area with Siri voice commands. Once added to the Home app, a Roomba vacuum with Matter can be set to clean automatically with automations and can integrate with other HomeKit devices. You could, for example, set the Roomba to vacuum whenever you leave the house, or at a certain time. Automations can be triggered by presence, time, sensors, or when an accessory like a light is activated. Apple added support for Matter-connected robot vacuums in iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Several companies have since come out with Matter options, including Roborock, Ecovacs, Switchbot, and Roomba. iRobot's added Matter support comes as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in December. iRobot has been sold to Picea Robotics, a Chinese company that already manufactures some of the Roomba devices. The acquisition is expected to be completed by February 2026, and iRobot says there will be no disruption in app functionality, product support, or customer programs. Going forward, iRobot will remain a private company owned by Picea, and the Roomba brand will continue with new models planned for the future. (Thanks, Max!)Tags: HomeKit, Matter This article, "More Roomba Vacuums Get Matter Support for HomeKit Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Get $100 Off Apple Watch Series 11 In Time For New Year's, Starting at $299
Amazon and Best Buy this week have all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. These discounts beat the Black Friday prices we saw last month by about $30. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find three of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and three of the 46mm GPS models on sale. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm Cell) for $399.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm Cell) for $429.00 Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Get $100 Off Apple Watch Series 11 In Time For New Year's, Starting at $299" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup
Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The foldable iPhone is going to be smaller than any current iPhone when it's closed, and it'll be shorter than Samsung's Galaxy foldables. Rumors suggest it'll be somewhere around 5.4 inches, which would make it as small as the now-discontinued iPhone 13 mini. When open, the iPhone Fold will be somewhere around 7.6 inches. It'll be smaller than the iPad mini, but the display will be larger than any iPhone to date. The iPhone Fold will be short and wide, for a book-like form factor and usage experience with a 4:3 aspect ratio. We don't know the dimensions of the foldable iPhone yet, and rumors vary somewhat, so the 3D print isn't an exact representation of the device that Apple has in the works. The 3D model was based on a mockup created by MacRumors reader iZac, who based his design on rumors that were circulating in May. He mocked up a 5.49-inch display when the iPhone is closed, and a 7.76-inch display when it's open. There are no sizing rumors that are significantly off from those figures, but we've heard 5.3 to 5.5 inches for the outer (closed) display, and 7.6 to 7.8 inches for the inner (open) display. iZac's design also uses a 4.8mm thickness for the device when it's unfolded, and rumors about thickness vary too. It could be 4.8mm, or it could be as thin as 4.5mm. The hinge on the 3D print is just a stand-in, because we don't know what Apple's hinge will look like. Rumors suggest that Apple spent a lot of time and effort creating a hinge that will make the crease between the two halves of the device almost invisible. We also don't know what the camera area will look like. Even though the 3D print isn't a spot on representation of the device that Apple is planning to launch, it's close enough to the rumors to provide a good idea of how the iPhone Fold will look and feel in the hand. Do you plan to get an iPhone Fold? Let us know in the comments below.Tag: Foldable iPhone This article, "Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Appeals $1.8 Billion UK Antitrust Ruling Over App Store Fees
Apple has asked the UK Court of Appeal to overturn a £1.5 billion ($1.76 billion) antitrust ruling that found the company overcharged millions of App Store users, escalating one of the most significant competition cases ever brought against the company in the country (via The Guardian). The application follows a decision in October by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which concluded that Apple abused its dominant position by charging excessive commissions on App Store purchases between 2015 and 2024. The tribunal found that Apple's control over app distribution on iPhones and iPads allowed it to impose commission rates of up to 30% that were higher than would have prevailed in a competitive market, resulting in consumer harm estimated to be worth £1.5 billion. The case was raised as a collective action on behalf of approximately 36 million British consumers. Under UK collective proceedings law, eligible consumers are automatically included unless they opt out, meaning that anyone in the UK who made App Store purchases during the relevant period could be entitled to compensation if the ruling stands. In its judgment, CAT said Apple should have charged lower commissions, estimating that rates of around 17.5% on app sales and 10% on in-app purchases would have been more appropriate. The tribunal acknowledged that this assessment relied on "informed guesswork" based on the evidence presented. Apple strongly disputes that approach. After the October ruling, the company sought permission from CAT to appeal, but the tribunal refused in November, concluding that Apple had not met the legal threshold to challenge its decision. Apple has now applied directly to the Court of Appeal, which has the authority to grant permission even where CAT has declined. Apple said it disagrees with the ruling and argues that the tribunal took a flawed view of the app economy. In a previous statement responding to the decision, the company said the App Store operates in a "thriving and competitive app economy" and provides developers and consumers with security, privacy protections, and access to a large marketplace. Apple also noted that most developers now pay a reduced 15% commission and that the App Store facilitated more than $55 billion in sales in the UK last year. If Apple's appeal is rejected and the ruling is upheld, the £1.5 billion award will be distributed among eligible UK consumers, with individual payouts likely to be relatively small but collectively significant. Tags: Apple Antitrust, United Kingdom This article, "Apple Appeals $1.8 Billion UK Antitrust Ruling Over App Store Fees" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Avoids New China Chip Tariffs Until 2027
Apple now has additional time to allow for tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, thanks to a delay on any actual cost impact until June 2027. While the United States will still apply new tariffs on semiconductor imports from China, the effective tariff rate will be set at zero for approximately 18 months, according to a Federal Register filing (via CNBC). The tariff rate will increase on June 23, 2027, with the specific percentage to be announced at least 30 days in advance. For Apple, the decision removes the near-term risk of higher import costs on a wide range of chips used across its products. While Apple designs its own A-series and M-series processors, which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Taiwan, the company continues to rely on China-based suppliers for many other semiconductor components, including power management integrated circuits, display driver chips, connectivity controllers, and various supporting logic chips embedded throughout its devices. Many of those components would fall within the scope of the China-specific semiconductor tariff once the rate increases in 2027. Although the tariff is technically being imposed immediately, the zero percent rate functions as a delay mechanism rather than a suspension. This preserves the legal and regulatory framework needed to raise tariffs at a later date, reducing immediate trade friction while retaining leverage in future negotiations, and provides clarity to firms like Apple amid long-term supply chain decisions. The timing is particularly significant for Apple because of its ongoing efforts to diversify manufacturing and sourcing beyond China. Apple previously faced concerns about a potential 100% semiconductor import tariff. In August, Apple committed $600 billion toward domestic manufacturing and infrastructure efforts.Tags: China, United States This article, "Apple Avoids New China Chip Tariffs Until 2027" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Samsung's Year End Sale Introduces Major Discounts on Popular Monitors and TVs
Samsung kicked off a new end-of-the-year sale this week, introducing great deals on monitors, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances. Many of these deals are the exact same all-time low prices we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This is a good time to purchase a Samsung monitor, with hundreds of monitor deals available during the event. One of the best markdowns is on the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor, available for $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99. If you're looking to add a second monitor to your workstation, you'll also find a few smaller options, like the 32-inch ViewFinity S7 for $299.99, down from $459.99. $600 OFFSamsung Year End Sale For even more potential savings, eligible shoppers have the chance to get additional discounts through Samsung offer programs. These programs provide extra discounts for students, military, and employees of select businesses, and they provide up to 30 percent extra savings on Samsung's website, so be sure to check whether you're eligible for any of these programs. TVs 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $359.99, down from $599.99 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $699.99, down from $749.99 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $649.99, down from $1,199.99 50-inch The Frame - $999.99, down from $1,099.99 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,599.99 65-inch The Frame - $1,599.99, down from $1,799.99 (extra $100 off available through offer programs) 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,999.99, down from $2,299.99 75-inch The Frame Pro - $2,699.99, down from $3,199.99 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,799.99, down from $4,299.99 (extra $660 off available through offer programs) 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,999.99, down from $4,499.99 Monitors 27-inch Odyssey G3 Monitor - $159.99, down from $229.99 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $399.99, down from $799.99 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor - $649.99, down from $899.99 49-inch Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor - $777.99, down from $1,299.99 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $1,299.99, down from $2,699.99 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99 Appliances Bespoke Smart Dishwasher - $899.99, down from $1,299.00 Large Capacity Side-by-Side Fridge - $999.00, down from $1,666.00 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00 Bespoke All-in-One Combo Washer/Dryer - $2,099.00, down from $3,299.00 Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,499.00, down from $3,499.00 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,399.99, down from $4,999.00 Galaxy Products Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250 Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Samsung's Year End Sale Introduces Major Discounts on Popular Monitors and TVs" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple's Developer Academy Faces Funding and Outcome Questions
Apple's costly Detroit-based Developer Academy program relies heavily on taxpayer funding while delivering mixed job outcomes, according to WIRED. The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit launched in 2021 in partnership with Michigan State University. The tuition-free program offers a 10-month course focused on building apps for Apple platforms, providing students with MacBooks, iPhones, mentorship, and monthly stipends intended to cover living costs. The academy has welcomed over 1,700 students since 2021, with about 600 completing the 10-month program. An investigation by WIRED found that nearly $30 million has been spent on the academy over four years, equating to roughly $20,000 per student. Previously undisclosed records show Apple contributed about $11.6 million, while more than $8.5 million came directly or indirectly from Michigan taxpayers, including state funding used to provide student stipends. Additional funding was supplied by private philanthropy, including the Gilbert Family Foundation. Academy officials told WIRED that about 71% of graduates from the past two years moved into full-time employment across various industries, a figure broadly in line with many coding boot camps but below outcomes reported by some traditional computer science degree programs. Apple and the university declined to release detailed graduate employment data, despite requirements from one funder that such data be collected. Student experiences have varied. Some graduates credited the academy with exposing them to technology careers and building confidence, while others said the Apple-centric curriculum and limited stipends left them struggling financially and unprepared for the broader job market. One former student told WIRED that many participants relied on food assistance, while another said recent stipend reductions forced students to juggle multiple side jobs. A senior director at Apple who oversees the Detroit program and 17 other Apple Developer Academies worldwide, said increasing student financial support is a continuing priority and that the academy is designed to build broadly applicable skills such as teamwork, research, and technology literacy rather than train students for a single job outcome. The academy takes credit for 62 apps and 13 businesses. He added that the curriculum is frequently adjusted in response to student demand and technological change, noting that workshops were added when students expressed interest in developing apps for the Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, and that generative AI tools are now incorporated into coursework, provided students can fully explain the code they produce, with alumni also able to access ongoing virtual instruction focused on AI.Tags: Apple Developer Academy, Michigan This article, "Apple's Developer Academy Faces Funding and Outcome Questions" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Supplier Targeted in Cyberattack
One of Apple's Chinese assemblers suffered a significant cyberattack earlier this month, DigiTimes reports. The cyberattack may have compromised sensitive production-line information and manufacturing data linked to Apple, and the scope of the breach and its operational impact is unclear. Sources quoted by DigiTimes indicate that the issue has been addressed, but that internal evaluations are ongoing to determine whether there were losses or disruptions tied to the incident. The specific company targeted has not been disclosed. Clients such as Apple typically initiate internal risk assessments to determine the severity of such breaches, the type and volume of data exposed, and whether remediation measures implemented by the supplier are sufficient. Decisions about whether to adjust production orders are said to depend on the outcome of those assessments rather than being automatic responses to an incident due to supply chain complexity. The report added that, in most cases, companies prefer to require suppliers to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and tighten internal controls instead of immediately reallocating production. Tag: DigiTimes This article, "Apple Supplier Targeted in Cyberattack" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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The Value of a Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer Certification
Google Cloud expands quickly as companies shift applications there. The Google Cloud Professional Engineer certification prepares you to create dependable systems with reliable speed. Certification Scope Overview This certification centers on DevOps practices within Google Cloud. Key areas include site reliability engineering (SRE), continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, comprehensive monitoring, and effective cost management strategies. Participants master tools such as Cloud Build for continuous integration, Cloud Deploy for continuous delivery, and Artifact Registry for secure artifact storage. The program maintains balance between rapid releases and consistent service reliability. Training involves practical work with Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Compute Engine instances, and serverless Cloud Run deployments. Additional coverage includes incident troubleshooting, proactive alerting mechanisms, and conducting blameless postmortems for continuous improvement. These skills directly apply to production environments where service interruptions carry significant business impact. Key Reasons for Google Cloud Professional Engineer Certification Cloud operations teams require specialists capable of delivering features quickly while preventing outages. This credential validates comprehensive expertise in SRE methodologies and full lifecycle pipeline management. Organizations achieve substantial reductions in incident response times and smoother scaling operations. Google reports that certified professionals significantly accelerate mean time to recovery (MTTR). Primary benefits include: Dependable Deployment Processes: Implement CI/CD workflows with automated testing and controlled rollouts. Intelligent Observability: Configure alerts, structured logging, and metrics to detect anomalies early. Resource Efficiency: Apply optimization techniques and spending visibility for controlled cloud expenditures. Collaborative Practices: Adopt SRE principles that align development and operations objectives effectively. Professional Validation: Demonstrates 3+ years of relevant experience, often leading to 20% salary increases. More than 10,000 learners have utilized this preparation pathway for successful interview outcomes. Comprehensive Training Structure The 50-60 hour curriculum incorporates over 100 laboratory assignments, real-world scenario projects, and 250+ targeted interview questions. Training simulates complete environments from initial code commit through production monitoring. Topic AreaPrimary EmphasisCore TechnologiesSRE FoundationsService Level Indicators (SLIs), Service Level Objectives (SLOs), error budgetsCloud Monitoring, Cloud LoggingCI/CD ImplementationBuild automation, deployment orchestration, testing integrationCloud Build, Cloud Deploy Infrastructure as CodeDeclarative provisioning, configuration managementTerraform integration, GKE, Compute EngineObservability StackLogging aggregation, distributed tracing, alerting policiesCloud Operations SuitePerformance TuningService optimization, cost allocation strategiesResource rightsizing, autoscaling configurationsIncident ManagementRoot cause analysis, postmortems, recovery proceduresBlameless culture implementation Lifetime access to Learning Management System (LMS) provides session recordings, presentation slides, detailed notes, and supplementary materials. Target Audience Profile Suitable for experienced IT professionals, recent graduates, and DevOps enthusiasts. One year of Google Cloud exposure provides helpful context, though content begins at foundational levels. Ideal candidates: DevOps engineers responsible for pipeline development and maintenance. Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) focused on service availability. Cloud architects designing scalable infrastructures. Entry-level professionals pursuing Google Cloud credentials. Compatible across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms requiring minimum 2GB RAM. Laboratory guidance supports AWS environments for supplementary practice. DevOpsSchool Training Excellence DevOpsSchool establishes leadership in Google Cloud, DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes certification programs. Lifetime LMS access encompasses session recordings, comprehensive notes, presentation slides, step-by-step tutorials, and dedicated interview preparation kits. Curriculum development draws from 200+ years of collective industry experience and analysis of 10,000+ global job descriptions. All instructors undergo rigorous profile screening, technical evaluation, and teaching demonstrations. Distinguishing advantages over competitors: FeaturesDevOpsSchoolOther ProvidersLifetime LMS AccessComplete InclusionTime-RestrictedLaboratory Assignments100+ Comprehensive LabsLimited ExercisesInterview Preparation250+ Targeted QuestionsBasic MaterialsInstructor Experience10-15 Years Industry AverageVariable Qualifications Available formats include online instructor-led sessions, classroom training in Hyderabad and Bangalore, with group discounts for teams. Rajesh Kumar: Expert Program Mentor Rajesh Kumar oversees and personally mentors the Google Cloud Professional Engineer program, bringing over 20 years of specialized expertise in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, and multi-cloud architectures. He has successfully trained thousands of professionals at enterprises including Nokia and Verizon, implementing production-grade GKE pipelines, advanced monitoring solutions, and autoscaling architectures. Rajesh delivers practical insights from real-world scenarios such as rapid incident recovery through automated alerting and cost optimization via intelligent resource management. His instruction methodology emphasizes live demonstrations, immediate query resolution, and direct application of concepts. As primary leader at DevOpsSchool, Rajesh integrates SRE best practices with modern CI/CD pipelines to produce immediately actionable professional competencies. Verified Learner Testimonials Participants provide consistent high praise for program effectiveness: “The training was very useful and interactive. Rajesh helped develop the confidence of all.” – Abhinav Gupta, Pune (5.0) “Rajesh is a very good trainer. He resolved our queries effectively with hands-on examples.” – Indrayani, India (5.0) “Good training session on basic DevOps concepts. Working sessions were strong despite time constraints.” – Ravi Daur, Noida (5.0) “Very well organized training, helped understand DevOps concepts and tools in detail. Very helpful.” – Sumit Kulkarni, Software Engineer (5.0) “Thanks Rajesh, training was good. Appreciate the knowledge shared.” – Vinayakumar, Project Manager, Bangalore (5.0) Feedback consistently achieves perfect 5.0 ratings, emphasizing practical readiness and exceptional instruction quality. Examination Specifications and Preparation The certification exam features 50-60 questions delivered over 120 minutes, requiring 70% passing score at $200 USD cost. Content distribution includes SRE practices (25%), CI/CD implementation (20%), monitoring and logging (30%). Format combines multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply question types. Credential validity spans 2 years. Examination DomainWeightingPreparation RecommendationsSRE Methodologies25%Master SLO/SLI definitions and postmortem processesCI/CD Workflows20%Practice complete Cloud Build pipeline configurationsMonitoring Solutions30%Build custom dashboards and alerting policiesService Optimization12%Implement cost management and performance tuning Comprehensive mock examinations included in preparation kit. Professional Career Advancement Certified individuals secure positions as DevOps Engineers and SREs at leading organizations including Cognizant and HCL. Certification complements Kubernetes Administrator credentials for senior architecture roles. Market demand remains strong with competitive salary structures. Critical Google Cloud Terminology Essential vocabulary mastery: SRE methodologies, CI/CD pipeline orchestration, Cloud Build automation, GKE cluster management, SLO/SLI frameworks, error budget management, Cloud Monitoring integration, Artifact Registry security, Cloud Deploy progression, service performance optimization. Conclusion and Overview The Google Cloud Professional Engineer certification equips professionals with comprehensive SRE, CI/CD, and monitoring expertise essential for Google Cloud operations. Under Rajesh Kumar’s mentorship at DevOpsSchool, participants gain production-ready skills through extensive labs and real-world projects spanning complete application lifecycles. Pursue this pathway today to accelerate cloud DevOps proficiency and career progression. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 https://www.devopsschool.com/ View the full article
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Learn to Automate Deployments with GitOps Essential Training
Kubernetes deployments often become chaotic without proper management. The GitOps Essential Training teaches how Git serves as the single reliable source for all configurations and applications. GitOps Explained Simply GitOps treats Git as the main truth for Kubernetes environments. Tools such as Flux or Argo CD constantly monitor Git repositories and automatically update clusters with any changes. Deployments become declarative—you define the desired state in Git, and tools make it happen without manual intervention. Say goodbye to direct kubectl commands or emergency SSH logins into clusters. Core principles include pull-based updates, complete version history, and automatic drift correction. Developers simply commit to Git, while operations teams avoid direct cluster access. This approach eliminates the classic “it works on my machine” issues even for infrastructure. Getting started involves creating a Git repository filled with YAML manifests. GitOps operators then continuously reconcile the cluster state to match exactly what lives in Git. Benefits of GitOps Essential Training Modern cloud-native teams require rapid yet secure deployments. This training equips you with GitOps workflows that reduce deployment errors by up to 90%. Certifications like CGOA validate your mastery of core concepts, tools, and best practices. Major advantages: Full Version Control: Easy rollbacks and clear audit trails for every change. Automated Deployments: Commit to Git, and clusters update themselves reliably. Drift Detection and Healing: Tools identify unauthorized changes and restore desired state instantly. Enhanced Security: No need for direct cluster access by team members. Multi-Cluster Management: Manage multiple environments from a single Git repository. Leading companies like Intuit and NVIDIA rely on GitOps for massive scale. It accelerates CI/CD pipelines dramatically. Detailed Training Structure The comprehensive 40-hour program offers flexible formats: online instructor-led, 5-day classroom, or corporate batches. Hands-on labs consume 50% of time using AWS-hosted Kubernetes clusters. TopicWeightingPractical EmphasisGitOps Fundamentals5%Identifying common problems and core conceptsTool Installation10%Setting up Flux and Helm operatorsWorkflow Demonstrations25%Live demos using Weave GitOpsLab Exercises50%Real AWS Kubernetes deployments and troubleshootingAssessments & Projects10%Scenario-based evaluations and final projects Training integrates Helm for package management and Flux for continuous synchronization. Concludes with a multiple-choice exam to certify knowledge. Ideal Participants for Training Perfect for DevOps engineers, SREs, and developers working in Kubernetes ecosystems. Basic Kubernetes familiarity helps, but no advanced Git expertise required. Recommended audiences: Application developers seeking Git-driven deployments. Operations professionals eliminating manual interventions. Solution architects designing continuous delivery pipelines. Beginners exploring GitOps operators and tools. Compatible with Windows, Mac, or Linux systems needing minimum 2GB RAM and 20GB storage. Practice on AWS Free Tier or local VMs. Why DevOpsSchool Excels DevOpsSchool leads in GitOps, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, SRE, and cloud-native certifications. Lifetime Learning Management System (LMS) access includes session recordings, detailed notes, presentation slides, step-by-step web tutorials, and comprehensive interview preparation kits. Programs feature real-world projects, dedicated job forums, and attractive group discounts. Deep coverage of Argo CD, Flux, and Helm integrations. Superior features compared to competitors: FeaturesDevOpsSchoolOthersLifetime LMS AccessIncludedTime-LimitedFull AWS LabsComplete EnvironmentsBasic SimulationsInterview PreparationDedicated Kits & ForumsMinimal SupportInstructor Qualifications10-15 Years Industry ExperienceVariable Backgrounds Offers 5-day corporate training, public batches, and virtual sessions via GoToMeeting platform. Rajesh Kumar: Program Mentor Rajesh Kumar governs and mentors the GitOps Essential Training, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, GitOps, and multi-cloud platforms. He has trained thousands of professionals at enterprises including Verizon and Nokia, implementing production Flux and Argo CD pipelines that handle enterprise-scale deployments. Rajesh specializes in practical solutions for common challenges like configuration drift, multi-environment synchronization, and secure progressive rollouts. His teaching emphasizes live demonstrations, real-world troubleshooting, and immediate query resolution. As principal leader at DevOpsSchool, he integrates GitOps with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices for immediately applicable production outcomes. Authentic Student Testimonials Participants consistently praise the hands-on approach: “The training was very useful and interactive. Rajesh helped develop the confidence of all.” – Abhinav Gupta, Pune (5.0) “Rajesh is a very good trainer. He resolved our queries effectively with hands-on examples.” – Indrayani, India (5.0) “Good training session on basic DevOps concepts. Working sessions were strong despite time constraints.” – Ravi Daur, Noida (5.0) “Very well organized training, helped understand DevOps concepts and tools in detail. Very helpful.” – Sumit Kulkarni, Software Engineer (5.0) “Thanks Rajesh, training was good. Appreciate the knowledge shared.” – Vinayakumar, Project Manager, Bangalore (5.0) Ratings achieve perfect 5.0 scores, highlighting practical readiness and instructor excellence. Certification Exam Preparation Target certifications like Certified GitOps Associate (CGOA): 90-minute exam requiring 60% passing score, covering terminology (20%), principles (30%), patterns (20%), and tools (14%). Training provides aligned mock exams and scenario projects. Exam DomainPercentageKey Preparation FocusGitOps Principles30%Declarative deployments, pull-based modelTooling & Operators14%Flux, ArgoCD implementationImplementation Patterns20%Rollouts, multi-cluster management DevOpsSchool also awards DevOps Certified Professional (DCP) based on projects, assignments, and evaluations—industry-recognized credential. Career Acceleration Opportunities Graduates secure roles as GitOps Engineers, Platform SREs, or Kubernetes Platform Architects. Salaries increase significantly amid surging Kubernetes demand. Complements Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) for senior positions. Technology leaders actively recruit for continuous delivery automation expertise. Essential GitOps Keywords Mastery Strengthen expertise with: declarative configurations, state reconciliation, drift detection, Flux operator, Helm chart releases, pull-based deployments, Git single source of truth, Kubernetes IaC, Argo CD synchronization, progressive delivery patterns. Conclusion and Overview The GitOps Essential Training transforms Git repositories into the authoritative brain for secure, automated Kubernetes deployments. Mentored by Rajesh Kumar at DevOpsSchool, the program delivers 50% hands-on labs with Flux and Helm, building production-ready continuous delivery skills. Enroll today to streamline your GitOps journey and elevate cloud-native operations. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 DevOpsSchool View the full article
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A Strategic Overview of FinOps Foundation Certification
Cloud spending grows quickly without proper checks. The FinOps Foundation Certification offers clear methods to control costs and keep strong business value. Understanding FinOps Basics FinOps mixes finance, technology, and operations to manage cloud bills wisely. It uses stages like inform, optimize, and operate to monitor, reduce waste, and predict ahead. Teams collaborate instead of working alone, with tools giving clear spending views. This solves cloud bill shocks from AWS, Azure, or GCP. Main concepts include cost sharing, predictions, and rules. Begin by tagging items to track usage. It moves from stiff budgets to flexible ones based on actual needs. Reasons to Earn FinOps Foundation Certification Cloud adoption rises but bills surprise companies. This certification builds skills to find waste soon and save up to 30% on expenses. It connects finance experts with IT for quicker, better choices. Strong gains: Clear Cost Tracking: Watch spend live, stop overruns. Team Connection: Finance and tech share goals. Waste Reduction: Adjust sizes, end unused items. Solid Planning: Predict bills, build right budgets. Firm Rules: Oversight keeps spending safe. Businesses stay nimble without added costs. Matches growing cloud demands. Training Topics Overview The 5-day program teaches main FinOps abilities with 50% practical labs. TopicMain AreaTools/MethodsFinOps StartIdeas, stagesInform, Optimize, Operate Cost SharingTags, chargebackShowback waysBudget & PredictPlan typesUse patternsImprovementSize adjust, savingsReserved, spotRulesPolicies, reportsDashboards, warningsReportsDashboards, goalsCloud bill tools Demos take 25%, tests 10%. Practices safely on AWS. Best Fit for Enrollment Good for finance, IT, ops handling cloud money. FinOps workers, bookkeepers, techs suit well. Groups to join: Finance watching cloud bills. IT bosses cutting extra. Techs improving items. Heads planning cloud rise. Basic cloud knowledge enough, no deep tech. Fine for AWS, Azure folks. DevOpsSchool Program Strengths DevOpsSchool excels in FinOps, DevOps, SRE, Kubernetes programs. Lifetime LMS provides recordings, notes, slides, guides, job prep kits. AWS labs for practice, forums for aid. Teaches cloud money tools, job news too. Outshines rest: FeaturesDevOpsSchoolOthersLifetime LMSYesShortAWS LabsCompleteSimpleJob KitFreePaidHelpAlwaysBrief 5-day group sessions, easy times. Time tables match areas: DayISTPSTESTMon-Thu9-11 PM7:30-9:30 AM10:30 AM-12:30 PMFri-Sun9-11 AM7:30-9:30 PM before10:30 PM-12:30 AM Rajesh Kumar Leads Training Rajesh Kumar directs FinOps Foundation Certification with over 20 years in DevOps, cloud, SRE. Taught thousands at IBM, Nokia about saving costs. He ties tech picks to money wins, such as 30% cuts through tags. Simple demos, fast help loved. Manages DevOpsSchool, joins FinOps with Kubernetes, code infra for true outcomes. Learner Reviews Speak True comments: “Interactive, Rajesh grew confidence.” – Abhinav Gupta (5.0) “Fixed questions quick, fine examples.” – Indrayani (5.0) “Solid starts, practice good.” – Ravi Daur (5.0) “Planned well, tools easy.” – Sumit Kulkarni (5.0) “Spot-on info.” – Vinayakumar (5.0) 5-stars often for ready value. Test and Badge Info Ready for FinOps Certified Practitioner: choice questions on cycle, tools. Pass proves cloud money know-how, lasts years. Program tests prepare fully. Ready StepShareAdviceIdeas10%Stages checkLabs50%Tool workTasks10%Predict make Online badge for sites. Job Doors Unlock Badge holders take FinOps Analyst, Cloud Money Boss jobs. Earnings grow with cloud rise. Matches AWS badges for top spots. Tech, money fields hire soon. Main FinOps Terms Learn well: cloud cost sharing, predict ways, size adjust, chargeback, showback, saved spots, savings deals, tag plans, budget warnings, rule setups. Conclusion and Overview The FinOps Foundation Certification readies you to handle cloud money with wise steps. Rajesh Kumar at DevOpsSchool brings practice in sharing, improving, rules. Begin cutting costs and rising now. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 DevOpsSchool View the full article
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Preparing for the ISTIO and Envoy Certification Exam
Service meshes such as Istio simplify handling microservices in Kubernetes environments. The ISTIO Envoy Certification Training shows you how to manage traffic flow, enhance security, and monitor application health without altering your application code. Understanding Istio and Envoy Basics Istio serves as a service mesh layer positioned between your application services. It centralizes control over traffic routing, security measures, and data collection. Envoy, its core proxy, operates as a sidecar container within each pod to manage and observe service communications. This configuration offers detailed insights into application performance that go beyond standard cluster monitoring. You gain access to metrics, logs, and traces for quick issue identification. Essential capabilities encompass traffic splitting for testing, zero-trust security via mTLS, and automatic retries for better reliability. Benefits of ISTIO Envoy Certification Training Microservices deliver speed yet introduce networking and security challenges. This training equips you to address those issues effectively, positioning you as a key player in cloud-native teams. Professionals with certification manage production service meshes, reducing outages and ensuring regulatory compliance. It demonstrates expertise in Istio’s control plane, such as Istiod for configurations, and Envoy for data plane operations. As organizations adopt Kubernetes more widely, opportunities arise in roles like service mesh engineer with competitive salaries. Certifications typically remain valid for about two years, similar to ICA standards, promoting ongoing learning. BenefitHow It HelpsTraffic ControlRoute, split, mirror requests easilyBuilt-in SecuritymTLS, auth policies without code changesFull ObservabilityMetrics, logs, traces in one viewResilienceRetries, timeouts, circuit breakersCareer EdgeStand out in Kubernetes job markets Program Structure and Key Features This 12-15 hour course combines live instructor sessions, supplementary videos, detailed notes, and web-based tutorials. Small class sizes guarantee focused interaction with experienced instructors. Practical labs run on AWS, eliminating local setup needs. Enjoy lifetime access to the LMS, including session recordings, slides, and hands-on projects for continued practice. FeatureDevOpsSchoolOthersFaculty CheckProfile screeningBasicLMS AccessLifetimeLimitedExtra VideosIncludedExtra feeStep-by-Step GuidesFullPartialSupport24/7 forumShort-term After completion, tackle a real-time project to implement learnings, plus receive interview preparation and job opportunity notifications. Missed sessions can be caught up in another batch or through recordings. Core Topics and Hands-On Practice Begin with service mesh fundamentals and Envoy’s structure, including listeners, clusters, and filters. Progress to Istio installation, gateways, and virtual services. Traffic management: Canary deployments, fault injection techniques. Security: Authorization policies, JWT support, universal mTLS. Observability: Integration with Prometheus, Grafana, and Jaeger. Advanced concepts: Wasm extensions, multi-cluster configurations. Apply everything on Kubernetes clusters with sidecar proxies for complete proficiency. Ideal Participants for Enrollment Perfect for those familiar with Kubernetes seeking advanced mesh management. While no prerequisites are mandatory, basic cluster knowledge accelerates progress. DevOps engineers overseeing microservices communications. Application developers requiring secure traffic handling. SRE professionals prioritizing system reliability and monitoring. Cloud architects planning scalable infrastructures. Teams transitioning to service mesh architectures. Hardware requirements include a PC with at least 2GB RAM and 20GB storage; labs utilize AWS free tier. Leadership from Rajesh Kumar The training draws direction from Rajesh Kumar, an authority boasting over 20 years in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, and platforms like AWS. He has influenced teams at companies including Intuit, Adobe, ServiceNow, Nokia, and the World Bank, driving large-scale CI/CD, containerization, and service mesh implementations. Rajesh has mentored thousands, drawing from real-world experiences with GitLab, SonarQube, ELK stacks, and Istio rollouts. His approachable method breaks down complex areas like Envoy filters and Istiod configurations into digestible steps. Students value his immediate query resolution and engaging lab sessions. Strengths of the DevOpsSchool Platform DevOpsSchool leads in service mesh and DevOps education, offering programs on Istio, Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, and various certifications. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it delivers online training through GoToMeeting and in-person classes in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi for groups of six or more. Key advantages: Instructors with 10-15+ years of industry experience, rigorously selected via demos. AWS-powered labs and real-world projects for immediate employability. Excellent testimonials: Abhinav Gupta gives 5.0 stars for “useful and interactive” content; Indrayani commends the “hands-on examples.” Benefits like group discounts (10-25%) and flexible rescheduling options. It prepares participants with persistent forums and lifetime resource access. Essential Tools and Practical Abilities Command Istiod for policy management and Envoy for proxy enforcement. Connect with Prometheus for metrics collection, Grafana for visualizations, and Kiali for graphical overviews. Configure gateways for external access and Wasm for tailored filters. Abilities such as canary releases minimize deployment risks, while mTLS protects inter-service traffic. These solutions address frequent distributed system issues like latency spikes, failures, and lack of visibility. Preparation for Exams and Certification The course prepares for certifications akin to ICA, featuring 2-hour practical exams, 68% passing threshold, and 12-month eligibility windows. Earn DevOpsSchool’s DCP certificate upon completing projects and evaluations—recognized across industries. Advice: Focus practice on multi-cluster scenarios, ambient modes, and upgrades. Refresh certifications every two years. Professional Growth and Success Stories Certified individuals spearhead service mesh initiatives, often reducing operational expenses by 30-50%. Organizations leverage Istio for seamless blue-green deployments with zero downtime. Strong market demand accompanies the cloud-native transformation. Conclusion and Overview The ISTIO Envoy Certification Training provides the expertise to harness service meshes for secure, observable microservices within Kubernetes ecosystems. Covering traffic management to telemetry, it equips you for certifications and practical demands. Prepared to excel in service meshes? Connect now: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 DevOpsSchool View the full article
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Pass the Docker Certified Associate Exam: A Practical Guide
Containers are changing the way teams build and run applications across different environments. The Docker Certified Associate certification equips you with essential skills to master Docker from beginner to advanced levels. Exploring Docker Fundamentals Docker packages applications along with everything they need into lightweight containers that work consistently anywhere. It solves the classic “it works on my machine” problem by ensuring software portability from local setups to cloud platforms. These containers run faster and use fewer resources compared to traditional virtual machines. Developers appreciate how Docker accelerates testing, sharing, and deployment processes. Core components consist of images as app templates, running containers, and registries for storage and sharing. Docker also manages networking, storage solutions, and built-in security features. Newcomers can quickly grasp it with basic commands like docker run to experience its power firsthand. Benefits of Docker Certified Associate Container expertise is in high demand as cloud adoption surges. This certification validates your ability to manage Docker effectively in professional settings such as DevOps pipelines or cloud operations. It thoroughly covers orchestration, image handling, networking, security, and storage—aligning directly with everyday team requirements. Standout advantages include: Consistent Deployments: Seamlessly transfer apps across servers, data centers, or clouds without issues. Streamlined Workflows: Automate building, testing, and shipping to boost speed. Resource Efficiency: Lower costs by optimizing hardware usage over heavy VMs. Career Advantage: Certified individuals secure positions quicker with better compensation. Companies rely on Docker for microservices architectures and CI/CD pipelines, positioning this cert as a valuable asset. Detailed Exam Topics Overview The Docker Certified Associate exam evaluates specific domains with defined weightings. Preparation occurs through a focused 15-hour training program designed for practical application. TopicWeightKey Coverage AreasOrchestration25%Docker Swarm mode, services, stack deploymentsImage Creation & Registry20%Building images, tagging, pushing to repositoriesInstallation & Configuration15%Setup across Linux/Windows, performance tuningNetworking15%Bridge networks, overlays, port mappingsSecurity15%Namespaces, secret management, vulnerability scansStorage & Volumes10%Bind mounts, volume drivers, data persistence Hands-on practice is key, with the course incorporating quizzes, exam dumps, and interactive labs for comprehensive readiness. Perfect Audience for This Cert This certification suits both container newcomers and experienced professionals seeking validation. DevOps engineers, software developers, and system administrators all benefit from deepened Docker proficiency. Ideal participants: Developers focused on reliable app packaging. Operations staff overseeing container clusters. Cloud practitioners working with AWS, Azure, or GCP. Entry-level professionals entering the container field. Familiarity with Linux basics is helpful, but the training begins from the ground up. No advanced programming is necessary. Why Choose DevOpsSchool for Training DevOpsSchool stands out as a premier provider for Docker, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, SRE, and cloud certifications. Participants receive lifetime access to their LMS, including class recordings, detailed notes, PDF slides, step-by-step web guides, Q&A sections, exam dumps, test modules, exercises, and assignments. Their programs emphasize hands-on labs with industry tools, interview preparation kits, and global group discounts with ongoing technical support. The 15-hour instructor-led online course features batches starting on the 12th of each month. Unique offerings surpass competitors: FeaturesDevOpsSchoolOthersLifetime LMS Access✓Limited DurationExam Dumps Provided✓Rarely IncludedLifetime Technical Support✓Temporary Only Additional perks include real-world assignments and continuous updates to materials. Rajesh Kumar: Expert Mentor Rajesh Kumar (https://www.rajeshkumar.xyz/) oversees and mentors this Docker Certified Associate program, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, and multi-cloud environments. He has successfully trained more than 10,000 professionals at leading organizations including IBM, Nokia, and others. Rajesh has architected Docker-based CI/CD pipelines for enterprise clients, dramatically reducing deployment times and infrastructure overheads. His teaching approach combines straightforward explanations, live demonstrations, and prompt resolution of learner queries. Learners consistently highlight his practical examples and depth of knowledge. As a key leader at DevOpsSchool, he ensures trainings deliver job-ready competencies in areas like Docker Swarm, volume management, and secure containerization. Authentic Learner Testimonials Participant experiences underscore the program’s effectiveness: “The training was very useful and interactive. Rajesh helped develop the confidence of all.” – Abhinav Gupta, Pune (5.0) “Rajesh is a very good trainer. He resolved our queries effectively. We loved the hands-on examples.” – Indrayani, India (5.0) “Good session on basic Docker concepts. Working sessions were strong, though time constraints occasionally limited query depth.” – Ravi Daur, Noida (5.0) “Very well organized training, helped understand Docker concepts and tools in detail. Very helpful.” – Sumit Kulkarni, Software Engineer (5.0) “Thanks Rajesh, training was good. Appreciate the knowledge you shared.” – Vinayakumar, Project Manager, Bangalore (5.0) Ratings frequently reach 5.0, with praise for real-world preparation and instructor expertise. Exam Details and Preparation Strategy Schedule the proctored exam through Examity for $195 (or €175), lasting 90 minutes with multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. Achieve a 65% passing score; certification remains valid for 2 years, requiring renewal thereafter. Failed attempts allow retakes after a 14-day wait, with full exam fees each time. Effective preparation elements: Prep ComponentFocus AreaRecommended ApproachQuizzesCore ConceptsPractice daily for retentionLabsDocker CLI CommandsHeavy emphasis on practical executionExam DumpsReal ScenariosSimulate timed test conditions Successful candidates receive digital credentials and badges for professional profiles like LinkedIn. Unlocking Career Opportunities Docker Certified Associate holders frequently secure roles such as Docker Engineer, Container Platform Administrator, or Cloud Container Specialist. Expect salary increases of 25% or more post-certification. Complement with certifications like Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) for advanced orchestration expertise. Sectors including technology, finance, e-commerce, and healthcare actively recruit amid the containerization surge. Essential Docker Keywords and Concepts Strengthen your expertise with these key terms: container orchestration, Docker images, volume management, network drivers, security scanning, Swarm clusters, registry hubs, multi-stage builds, Docker Compose files, runtime configurations. Conclusion and Overview The Docker Certified Associate certification empowers professionals to excel in container technologies, enabling reliable application deployment across diverse environments. Under the guidance of Rajesh Kumar at DevOpsSchool, it delivers in-depth coverage of orchestration, security, networking, and more through practical, hands-on training. Pursue it today to elevate your DevOps capabilities and career trajectory. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 https://www.devopsschool.com/ View the full article
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Prepare for Success: The DevSecOps Foundation Certification
In today’s fast-paced software world, security can’t wait until the end. The DevSecOps Foundation Certification teaches you to build security right into development from day one. Understanding DevSecOps Basics DevSecOps blends development, security, and operations into one smooth process. It shifts security left, meaning teams check for risks early in coding and testing stages. This approach uses tools like automated scans to spot problems before they hit production. Unlike old methods where security teams reviewed code late, DevSecOps makes everyone responsible for safe software. Key ideas include continuous integration with security gates and real-time monitoring. Teams work together without slowing down releases. For beginners, it starts with basics like threat modeling and secure coding rules. Reasons to Get Certified Cyber threats grow daily, especially with cloud apps and CI/CD pipelines. This certification arms you with skills to fight vulnerabilities head-on. It proves you can embed security without breaking speed, a must in modern IT jobs. Benefits stand out clearly: Early Risk Spotting: Catch issues in design or code, not after launch. Team Unity: Developers, ops, and security pros collaborate better. Cost Savings: Fix bugs cheap early, avoid big fixes later. Job Boost: Demand for certified pros rises with breaches up. Organizations save time and money while meeting standards like NIST or ISO 27001. Key Topics in the Course The course dives into practical skills for secure pipelines. You’ll learn secure SDLC phases from planning to monitoring. TopicFocus AreasTools/PracticesDevSecOps BasicsPrinciples, culture shiftThreat modeling, secure mindsetSecure CodingBest practices in codeInput validation, error handlingAutomated TestingSAST, DAST, SCASonarQube, OWASP ZAP, Dependency-Check IaC SecurityProtecting configsTerraform scans, Ansible checksMonitoringLogs, alertsELK stack, Prometheus CompliancePolicy as codeChef InSpec, OpenSCAP Hands-on labs make up 50% of training time, with demos at 25%. You’ll practice in AWS clouds for real feel. Ideal Candidates for Training This fits many roles in software teams. DevOps engineers gain security edges, while security pros learn pipelines. Target groups include: Software developers writing safer code. Security analysts adding automation. IT ops handling secure deploys. Newbies eyeing DevSecOps careers. No prior deep security knowledge needed, just basic DevOps grasp. It’s great for those in cloud like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes setups. DevOpsSchool Training Highlights DevOpsSchool leads in DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, and cloud training. They offer lifetime LMS access, interview kits, and step-by-step guides. Programs cover Kubernetes, MLOps, and more, with hands-on AWS labs. As a top platform, they train thousands globally, focusing on real projects. The 5-day course mixes instructor sessions, labs, and assessments. Schedules suit time zones: DayIST (India)PST (USA)EST (USA)Mon-Thu9-11 PM7:30-9:30 AM10:30 AM-12:30 PMFri-Sun9-11 AM7:30-9:30 PM (prev day)10:30 PM-12:30 AM Trainers share case studies from top firms. Post-course, get practice exams and e-books. Rajesh Kumar as Mentor Rajesh Kumar (https://www.rajeshkumar.xyz/) mentors this program with 20+ years in DevOps and security. He’s trained over 10,000 pros at Nokia, IBM, and Vodafone. From ServiceNow to Adobe, he built CI/CD pipelines and cloud migrations. His expertise spans Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, and DevSecOps tools like Vault. Rajesh focuses on practical wins, like cutting deploy times 95% via automation. Students praise his clear examples and query handling. He leads DevOpsSchool efforts, blending theory with labs for quick learning. Student Testimonials Feedback shows impact: “Rajesh built our confidence with hands-on SRE concepts.” – Abhinav Gupta “Resolved queries fast, loved the examples.” – Indrayani “Organized well, understood tools deeply.” – Sumit Kulkarni Ratings hit 5.0 often, noting real-world prep. Exam and Certification Info Expect 60-90 minutes of multiple-choice and scenarios. Passing score around 65-70%, with lifetime validity. Prep includes mocks and quizzes. Earn a unique ID badge for LinkedIn. Prep ElementWeightDetailsQuizzes10%Concept checksLabs50%Tool practiceProjects10%Full pipelines Boost Your Career Path Certified holders land roles like DevSecOps Engineer or Security Architect. Salaries rise 20-30% with this edge. Pair with Kubernetes certs for senior spots. Industries like finance and healthcare seek these skills amid threats. Essential Tools and Terms Boost your resume with: CI/CD security, SAST DAST, IaC protection, vulnerability scanning, threat modeling, compliance as code, secrets management, container security, secure SDLC, automated monitoring. Conclusion and Overview The DevSecOps Foundation Certification transforms how teams build safe software fast. It covers principles, tools, and practices for secure pipelines, led by experts like Rajesh Kumar at DevOpsSchool. Start today for better security and career wins. Contact DevOpsSchool: Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 7004 215 841 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 https://www.devopsschool.com/ View the full article