Construction
DeKalb Kraft Heinz Facility Construction Delayed to 2027
2024-12-11
DeKALB – In a significant development for the local economy, Kraft Heinz's $400 million facility in DeKalb has encountered a setback that will push its opening date back by two years to 2027. This delay has left both company representatives and City of DeKalb officials tight-lipped about the causes. The 775,000-square-foot automated distribution center was announced in July 2023 with promises of bringing around 150 jobs and an early 2025 opening. However, as revealed through public records requests, it won't be ready until at least 2027.

City Manager's Perspective

City Manager Bill Nicklas shed some light on the situation, stating that there was a pause due to a design conversation that was ongoing. He emphasized that he wasn't privy to the details but that this was the information he had been given. This delay has understandably raised questions among the local community and stakeholders.

Distribution Center's Significance

Once completed, this distribution center is expected to play a crucial role in Kraft Heinz's operations. According to the company, it will handle more than 60% of their dry goods distribution to North America. This shows the importance of this facility in the company's supply chain and its potential impact on the local economy. It will bring significant economic activity and job opportunities once it is up and running.

Email Exchange Insights

Shaw Local News Network obtained records of an Oct. 10 email exchange between DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Nicklas, Lynsey Elve (Kraft Heinz's director of global corporate communications), and Sarah Doran (associate director of state government affairs at Kraft Heinz). In this email, Doran stressed the company's commitment to completing the build. She wrote that the parties involved are working to address the issue and they expect to open the facility sometime in 2027. This shows that Kraft Heinz is actively working towards resolving the delay and getting the project back on track.

Impact on Tax Incentives

Nicklas also addressed the impact of the delayed opening on tax incentives. He stated that it will not affect the tax incentives that may be owed to the company. Tax breaks were approved for the development before it was announced, and after the first year of a full assessment, Kraft Heinz will become eligible for a 50% property tax abatement for 15 years. This provides some relief to the company and shows the local government's support for the project.

Enterprise Zone Benefits

Kraft Heinz is also in DeKalb County's enterprise zone, which offers corporations incentives to invest in the area. Because of this, the company may be spared from paying some of the sales tax on construction materials. This further reduces the financial burden on Kraft Heinz and makes the project more attractive. Nicklas expressed his satisfaction with the resumption of construction and the company's energetic pursuit of the project. The area around the tall portion of the structure continues to be worked on, indicating that progress is being made.
Apple Updates Voice Memos App with iOS 18.2's 'Layered Recordings'
2024-12-11
Apple is making significant strides in the realm of audio apps with the release of iOS 18.2. Alongside a plethora of new AI features, the company is giving the Voice Memos app a much-needed update. This update brings a revolutionary capability to iPhone users, allowing them to layer vocal tracks on top of existing instrumental recordings without the need for headphones.

Unlock New Musical Possibilities with iOS 18.2's Voice Memos Update

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: A New Era of Audio Recording

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users are now at the forefront of audio innovation. They can record their instruments using the iPhone's speaker while simultaneously capturing their vocals with the microphones on these devices. This eliminates the hassle of using headphones and opens up a world of creative possibilities.

For instance, imagine a musician playing an acoustic guitar and wanting to add a vocal layer. With iOS 18.2, they can effortlessly do so, creating a unique and layered recording. This feature is a game-changer for musicians who want to experiment and create professional-quality recordings directly on their iPhones.

Bringing Back Music Memos: Filling the Void

The discontinuation of Apple's Music Memos iPhone app in 2021 was a disappointment for many musicians. However, with the iOS 18.2 update, Apple is offering an alternative. The new Voice Memos feature provides a seamless way to layer vocals on top of existing instrumentals, filling the void left by the previous app.

Artists have turned to third-party apps like Tape It to continue their creative endeavors, but now they have a native Apple solution. This not only saves time but also ensures a seamless integration with other Apple devices and apps.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Professional Results

With the power of Apple's A18 Pro chip and machine learning, the Voice Memos app is able to enable the new layered recording feature. The app can create two individual tracks, which can then be further mixed and produced in professional apps like Logic Pro.

Musicians and producers have a wide range of options with this feature. They can choose from a variety of background instrumentals, such as piano or acoustic guitar, to add to their recordings. Alternatively, they can send an existing instrumental mix directly into the Voice Memos app and record a vocal layer on top. This flexibility allows for endless creative possibilities and professional-quality productions.

Syncing Across Devices: A Seamless Experience

Apple emphasizes the seamless syncing of "Layered Recordings" from Voice Memos on Mac across devices. This means that musicians can start recording on their iPhone and continue working on their Mac, with all the layers synced seamlessly.

Moreover, these recordings are available on Mac to be dragged and dropped into a Logic session, further enhancing the workflow for musicians. This cross-device syncing is a significant advantage that simplifies the recording and production process.

Demonstrating with a Holiday Track: Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and Greg Wells

Apple is showcasing the power of this feature with a new holiday track called "Maybe This Christmas" featuring Michael Bublé, country star Carly Pearce, and record producer Greg Wells. A behind-the-scenes video reveals how the artists used the Voice Memos app to separately record their vocals on an iPhone 16 Pro.

This real-world demonstration shows the practical application of the layered recording feature and how it can be used to create collaborative and professional-sounding music.

Launching on iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The Voice Memos app upgrade is specifically launching on iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max for users running iOS 18.2. This ensures that these high-end devices are equipped with the latest audio capabilities, allowing users to explore and create like never before.

Sharing to Voice Memos and importing a Layered Recording is also available on Logic Pro for Mac 11.1 with macOS Sequoia 15.2, and Logic Pro for iPad 2.1 with iPadOS 18.2. This wide range of compatibility ensures that musicians can access and utilize the feature on their preferred devices.

Audio Transcriptions: Enhancing the Recording Experience

The iOS 18 update previously brought audio transcriptions to the Voice Memos app, providing users with an additional tool for organizing and analyzing their recordings. Users can view the transcription of their speech while recording or after, making it easier to reference and work with their audio content.

This feature adds another layer of functionality to the Voice Memos app and further enhances the overall recording experience.

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How Apple's New Intelligence Transforms Siri on iPhone
2024-12-11
For years, there has been much discussion about Apple's seemingly lack of innovation in Siri. However, Apple has now stepped up and promised the launch of a more intelligent version of its digital assistant. With the addition of Apple Intelligence and its generative AI offering, along with an integration with ChatGPT, Siri is set to receive new features and updates with iOS 18.

Unlock the Potential of Siri with Apple Intelligence

ChatGPT Integration

Siri now has the ability to tap into OpenAI's ChatGPT to provide answers to questions it can't handle on its own. For instance, imagine you're in your garden and want recipe ideas using the ingredients at hand. By simply asking Siri, it will automatically send that information to ChatGPT to generate some options for you. There's no need to have a ChatGPT account; just grant Siri permission to access the service.Moreover, this integration allows for a more seamless user experience. You can ask Siri complex questions that require external knowledge, and it will handle the task with ease. It's a game-changer in terms of the information Siri can provide.

Enhanced Language Understanding

Apple has made significant strides in enabling better communication with Siri. The assistant is now better equipped to understand natural language, even when you stumble over your words. Saying something like "Siri, set an alarm for, oh wait no, set a timer for 10 minutes. Actually, make that five." will be understood clearly by Siri.In addition, you can ask follow-up questions without having to repeat the context. For example, if you ask Siri where your next family reunion will take place and it provides a location, you can then ask "What will the weather be like there?" without having to mention the location again. This saves time and makes interactions with Siri more intuitive.

Type to Siri

Previously, you could only communicate with Siri through voice. But with Apple Intelligence, you now have the option to type to Siri when you don't want to speak out loud. Just double-tap the button on your iPhone or iPad screen, and you can ask Siri any question.This feature is particularly handy in quiet environments where speaking aloud might be inappropriate or in loud environments where your voice might not be heard clearly. Typing to Siri ensures that your inquiry is understood accurately.

Siri Now Has Product Knowledge

Siri has been enhanced with more information about Apple's products and services. Now, if you have a question about your Apple device, such as how to use a particular feature for the first time on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can simply ask Siri for help. Siri will provide step-by-step instructions, saving you the trouble of going through settings and navigating to help pages.For example, asking Siri how to schedule a text message to send later is now a breeze. Siri will guide you through the process, making it easier for you to get the most out of your Apple devices.

Coming Soon

While the features mentioned above are already available, Apple has promised to roll out additional Apple Intelligence-powered features for Siri. Siri will soon become aware of your personal context, enabling it to take actions that are unique to you. It will be able to use the information on your device to find what you're looking for.For instance, if you can't remember whether your friend Alice shared a recipe with you in a text or an email, you can ask Siri to "pull up the recipe that Alice sent a few days ago." Or, when booking a flight and needing to find your passport number quickly, you can ask Siri to pull it from your email or images and automatically enter it into a required field.In addition, Siri will soon be able to understand what's on your screen and take action based on it. For example, if your friend texts you a new address, you can tell Siri to add it to their contact card. Siri will also be able to take action in and across apps. You can ask Siri to enhance a photo in the Photos app and then send it to a specific person in Messages without having to open the separate apps or complete the tasks manually. Siri will handle it all on its own.
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