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MetLife CDAO Tamar Shapiro Joins CDO Magazine Global Board

MetLife CDAO Tamar Shapiro joins the CDO Magazine Global Board. Learn how the former Instagram Analytics Head leverages data and AI for business growth.

7AI launches PLAID ELITE fully managed agentic security operations service

Agentic artificial intelligence security startup 7AI Inc. today announced the launch of PLAID ELITE, a fully managed AI-native security operations service. The new service combines autonomous investigation by AI agents with oversight from 7AI security engineers to deliver continuous follow-the-sun coverage without requiring customers to build or scale an internal operations team. It handles alert ingestion, enrichment, [...] The post 7AI launches PLAID ELITE fully managed agentic security operations service appeared first on SiliconANGLE .

Mac Studio M5 (2026): Release date, rumors and the impact of RAM shortages

Macworld The Mac Studio, originally released in 2022 , has become Apple’s premier desktop for professional users, effectively replacing the now- discontinued Mac Pro for the vast majority of workflows. Designed for high-end workloads, the Mac Studio has emerged as a popular choice for serious AI and machine learning tasks. This is largely due to its high unified memory capacity and specialised silicon architecture, which address one of the primary bottlenecks in AI workloads: memory capacity and memory bandwidth. If you are considering buying a Mac Studio, you may be wondering whether an update is imminent. The current lineup features M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, introduced in March 2025. A new generation with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips is widely expected in 2026, although the launch timing remains uncertain. For some time, an update at WWDC in June had been anticipated, but more recent reports suggest supply constraints affecting high-memory Apple silicon systems could push the launch to later in 2026, possibly around October. This article tracks the latest reports and rumours surrounding the next Mac Studio, including its potential release date, specifications, and pricing. 2026 Mac Studio: Release date Possible release at WWDC, but October 2026 more likely Apple has not yet officially announced a launch date for the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, but for much of the past year the expectation had been that the new models would debut at WWDC in June 2026. That timeline appeared plausible given Apple’s previous Mac Studio launches, including the M2 Max and M2 Ultra refresh introduced at WWDC 2023, and earlier reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting Apple was targeting the first half of 2026 for the next-generation systems. However, more recent reports indicate the launch may now slip to later in the year, with October 2026 increasingly viewed as the more likely timeframe. The delay appears to be tied to ongoing supply constraints in the global DRAM market. Surging demand for AI infrastructure – particularly from hyperscalers operating large-scale data centres – has placed significant pressure on high-capacity memory supply. According to Gurman, reporting in April 2026, “supply chain snags” are affecting production of Apple’s next-generation professional Macs, potentially pushing the Mac Studio launch into October 2026. These constraints are already affecting the current Mac Studio lineup. In March 2026, Apple removed the 512GB unified memory upgrade option for the M3 Ultra Mac Studio and increased the price of the 256GB option by $400, likely reflecting rising DRAM costs. As of May 2026, the 2025 Mac Studio can only be configured with 36GB, 64GB or 96GB of unified memory, with the former 128GB and 256GB upgrade options no longer available. Availability has also been impacted, with delivery estimates ranging from six to ten weeks depending on configuration. While a WWDC unveiling has not been ruled out entirely, current supply-chain conditions now make a later 2026 release appear more likely. 2026 Mac Studio: Processor M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips expected Apple The Mac Studio ships with Apple’s M-series Max and Ultra chips. The 2025 Mac Studio launched with the expected M4 Max, but the highest-end configuration unexpectedly used an M3 Ultra rather than a newer M4 Ultra. While the M3 Ultra still outperforms the M4 Max in heavily multithreaded and graphics-intensive workloads, it is based on an older generation of Apple silicon. Apple never publicly explained why an M4 Ultra was not released. Some industry analysts speculated that manufacturing complexity and yield issues at TSMC may have contributed to Apple skipping an Ultra-tier M4 chip . However, the most widely accepted explanation is architectural. Previous Ultra chips, including the M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra, were created by linking two Max-class dies together using Apple’s UltraFusion packaging technology. Reports suggest the M4 Max lacked the high-bandwidth die-to-die interconnect required for this approach, preventing Apple from combining two M4 Max dies into a single Ultra processor. However, this situation is not expected to continue with the M5 generation. Apple’s M5 Max, built on an advanced 3nm process, introduces a revised architecture that allows multiple dies to function as a single SoC. This new “Fusion Architecture” is designed to improve scalability, memory bandwidth and AI performance and, crucially, should make future Ultra variants easier to produce. Apple has also shifted its high-end desktop strategy away from the Mac Pro, which was discontinued in early 2026. With the Mac Studio now effectively serving as Apple’s flagship professional desktop, it has become the company’s primary platform for future Ultra-class chips. As a result, the next Mac Studio is widely expected to feature both the M5 Max and M5 Ultra. M5 Max The M5 Max currently features: CPU : Up to an 18-core CPU optimized for professional multithreaded workloads. GPU : Up to a 40-core GPU with improved AI and graphics acceleration. Neural processing : Expanded machine-learning hardware integrated across the GPU and media engines. Memory bandwidth : Significantly higher bandwidth than the M4 generation, improving AI, 3D rendering and video-editing performance. The Mac Studio version of the M5 Max is also expected to deliver higher sustained performance than the MacBook Pro thanks to its larger thermal envelope. M5 Ultra If Apple maintains its current scaling approach of combining two M5 Max dies into a single processor package, the M5 Ultra could offer: CPU : Up to 36 CPU cores. GPU : Up to 80 GPU cores. Unified memory : Support for significantly larger memory pools and much higher bandwidth than the M5 Max. The M5 Ultra, offering the best desktop workstation performance, will be suited to GPU-intensive workflows such as 3D rendering, AI model development, scientific computing and advanced video production. 2026 Mac Studio: Other specs Thomas Bergbold Bigger SSD expected as standard The introduction of the M5 Max in the 2026 MacBook Pro lineup provides some insight as to what to expect from the next Mac Studio beyond raw processor performance. Unified memory and bandwidth Memory configuration is expected to become an increasingly important part of the next Mac Studio story due to ongoing DRAM supply constraints affecting the broader industry. Current expectations suggest: M5 Max : To continue to start with 36GB of unified memory. M5 Ultra : To begin at 96GB of unified memory. Apple may continue to cap maximum memory at 256GB on Ultra configurations, although availability could remain limited depending on supply conditions. However, recent changes to the existing Mac Studio lineup indicate Apple may simplify or reduce high-end memory configurations. In May 2026, Apple removed some higher-capacity memory upgrade options from the M3 Ultra Mac Studio and increased pricing for remaining high-memory configurations, likely due to rising DRAM costs driven by AI server demand. Bandwidth improvements are also expected. The M5 architecture already delivers significantly faster memory throughput than previous generations, and the Mac Studio variants should scale even further. Higher-end configurations could potentially exceed 600GB/s of memory bandwidth, greatly benefiting workloads involving large datasets, complex simulations and AI inference. Storage Storage configurations are also expected to shift upward. Industry expectations increasingly point to Apple raising the baseline SSD capacity across the Mac Studio lineup: M5 Max : Expected to start with 1TB of storage rather than 512GB. M5 Ultra : May begin at 2TB instead of 1TB. This would align the Mac Studio more closely with Apple’s positioning as a professional workstation system, while also offsetting growing application sizes and AI-related storage demands. Maximum capacities are likely to remain unchanged: M5 Max : Up to 8TB. M5 Ultra : Up to 16TB. The M5 generation is also expected to deliver faster SSD performance overall, particularly for large-file transfers and sustained professional workloads. Connectivity The next Mac Studio is expected to support Apple’s latest connectivity standards, including: Thunderbolt 5 with bandwidth up to 120Gbps in boosted modes. Wi-Fi 7 support. Bluetooth 6. Apple’s newer networking hardware for improved wireless efficiency and lower latency. 2026 Mac Studio: Design & Ports No major external redesign is currently expected. Foundry The Mac Studio was first introduced in 2022, and Apple is expected to retain the same overall design for the next generation. No credible reports have suggested a major redesign, and the company’s recent desktop hardware – including the M4 Mac mini – indicates Apple remains committed to its compact aluminium desktop aesthetic. That design has proven particularly effective for professional workflows. Despite its relatively small footprint, the Mac Studio is built around a substantial cooling system that allows it to sustain demanding workloads such as AI inference, 3D rendering and high-resolution video editing without the excessive fan noise often associated with traditional workstations. This makes it especially well suited to sound-sensitive studio environments and rack-based deployments. The Mac Studio also stands out for its extensive port selection, avoiding the heavy reliance on adapters common with many modern Apple devices. Front-facing ports and the SDXC card slot provide convenient access for photographers, videographers and developers frequently connecting storage devices and peripherals. The port offerings are also expected to remain the same. The Mac Studio has: M5 Max : 2 front USB-C ports (supporting USB 3 at 10Gbps) M5 Ultra : 2 front Thunderbolt 5 ports Front SDXC Card slot Rear 3.5mm audio jack 4 rear Thunderbolt 5 ports 2 rear USB-A ports HDMI port 10Gb ethernet port The Mac Studio is expected to continue supporting up to eight external displays. Thunderbolt 5 support provides up to 80Gbps bandwidth, or up to 120Gbps for display-heavy workloads, making the system particularly well suited to advanced production, AI and multi-monitor workflows. 2026 Mac Studio: Price The Mac Studio currently starts at $1,999 / £2,099 , but there are strong indications that Apple could raise prices when it updates its desktop lineup later this year due to supply chain pressures and rising component costs. One sign that the Mac Studio’s price could increase is Apple’s recent move to raise the entry cost of its high-end Macs. In March 2026, Apple removed lower-capacity storage tiers from the MacBook Pro lineup, pushing the starting price of the M5 Max model to $3,599 because it now ships with a 2TB SSD by default. If Apple follows the same strategy with the Mac Studio, it may raise the base price while simultaneously increasing the starting RAM and storage configurations to soften the perception of the price increase. For example, if Apple increases the entry-level SSD from 512GB to 1TB – a likely change – the base price could rise by roughly $200 / £200 , although the U.K. increase may be smaller to keep regional pricing more closely aligned. Several broader factors could also contribute to higher prices: RAM shortage and component costs : A global surge in demand for AI hardware has created significant pressure on memory supply, leading to higher RAM prices across the industry. Supply chain constraints : During a 2026 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company is seeing “less flexibility in the supply chain than normal,” adding that wholesale memory pricing is “increasing significantly.” For reference, the current 2025 Mac Studio base configurations are priced as follows on Apple’s website : $1,999/£2,099/CA$2,699/AU$3,499 M4 Max, 36GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD $3,999/£4,199/CA$5,499/AU$6,999 M3 Ultra, 96GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Historically, Apple has shown a willingness to raise starting prices when transitioning between generations. The Mac Pro, for example, increased from $5,999 to $6,999 when Apple Silicon replaced Intel processors. However, Apple has also positioned the Mac Studio as a relatively affordable high-performance desktop for creative professionals. Since its introduction, the machine has started at $1,999, helping maintain a clear price gap below the $3,199-plus MacBook Pro lineup. Should you buy a Mac Studio now or wait? Whether you should buy a Mac Studio now depends on how urgently you need the performance versus whether you are willing to wait for the next generation of Apple silicon. The Mac Studio was last updated in March 2025 with the introduction of the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Since then, Apple has released the MacBook Pro with the M5 Max. According to our testing , the M5 Max now surpasses the M3 Ultra in CPU performance, although the M3 Ultra still maintains an advantage in certain graphics-intensive workloads thanks to its significantly higher GPU core count. If you need a high-end workstation immediately, the Mac Studio remains Apple’s most powerful desktop Mac. However, availability has become increasingly limited due to ongoing component shortages. As of May 2026, delivery estimates for some configurations stretch to as long as 10 weeks, meaning orders placed now may not arrive until July 2026. At the same time, an M5 refresh now appears increasingly likely for October 2026. The next-generation Mac Studio is expected to deliver a substantial performance improvement, particularly with the anticipated M5 Ultra chip, which could represent a significant leap over the current M3 Ultra. As a result, buyers who can wait a few more months may be better off holding off for the next generation. For those who need a Mac Studio sooner rather than later, a refurbished model could be a good alternative and may also offer better value for money. Read: Best place to buy a refurbished MacBook or Mac for advice. FAQ 1. When will the M5 Mac Studio be released? While some early 2026 reports pointed to a spring launch, ongoing supply-chain issues appear to have pushed the timeline back, with an October 2026 release for the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips now looking more likely. 2. Will the M5 Mac Studio have an M5 Ultra chip? Yes. Industry reports and expert predictions strongly suggest the new Mac Studio will feature an M5 Ultra chip. 3. Will RAM shortages make the M5 Mac Studio more expensive? The global RAM shortage has lead to increased costs for memory components. While it is difficult to predict exactly how this will impact the final retail price of future Mac Studio models, such as those featuring the M5 chip, the shortage has created significant upward pressure on production costs. While Apple has a history of maintaining consistent pricing across product generations, the current supply chain environment presents unique challenges. Rather than raise prices in relation to the RAM shortages, Apple may instead withdraw the entry-level model, as it has with the Mac mini. 4. Could Apple redesign the Mac Studio chassis for the M5 generation? It’s not expected that Apple will alter the external design of the Mac Studio. The current design has a number of benefits including: A tall aluminium chassis allowing for a much larger cooling system than a Mac mini or MacBook Pro. A small footprint that means multiple units can be deployed side-by-side on shelves or mounted in custom rack trays. This is attractive for AI labs, CI infrastructure, edge inference clusters, and build farms. The front-facing I/O is also appreciated by those who need to attach high-speed external storage, networking, and accelerator peripherals. 5. How well will the new Mac Studio handle AI workloads? The new Mac Studio is expected to be one of the most capable desktop systems for local AI workloads, particularly with the upcoming M5 Ultra chip. Apple’s unified memory architecture allows the CPU and GPU to share a large pool of high-bandwidth memory, making the system especially effective for running large language models locally. Combined with faster GPU-based AI accelerators, improved memory bandwidth, quiet cooling, and support for up to 256GB of unified memory, the M5 Mac Studio could become one of the most powerful compact AI workstations available. The Mac Studio is already widely regarded as a premier workstation for artificial intelligence, with recent developments further enhancing its suitability for complex AI clusters and high-performance machine learning workloads. In November 2025, Apple introduced enhancements to macOS Tahoe 26.2 specifically aimed at AI developers using Mac Studio systems. One of the most significant additions was support for creating AI clusters over Thunderbolt 5, simplifying deployment by eliminating the need for RDMA Ethernet cards or optical networking modules. The Mac Studio’s hardware design is also particularly well suited to demanding AI workflows. Its compact yet thermally efficient chassis enables sustained high performance during tasks such as LLM inference, model training, and multimodal processing, while maintaining significantly quieter operation than traditional workstation or server hardware.

007 First Light review – a triumphant James Bond game made by obsessive fans

PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5; IO Interactive The stealth masters behind Hitman go loud for this game about Bond’s brilliant beginnings Given that we’ve not had a great James Bond video game in decades – or any Bond film at all in five years – there’s a lot of pressure on 007 First Light to reinvigorate a British cinematic hero. But developer IO Interactive has been auditioning for this role for some time. It’s there in the globetrotting nature of its Hitman assassination games, starring a besuited hero who knows how to turn a soiree to his deadly purpose; then there’s the developer’s evident eye for corporate opulence and brutalist architecture. Even their in-house game engine, Glacier, sounds like a secret codename cooked up in a Bond villain’s lair. All it would take is a slight shift in Hitman’s moral compass – more old boys club, fewer old boys clubbed – to turn IO’s familiar series into a Bond game with minimal fuss. 007 First Light refuses that easy route. We join young Bond in his pre-00 days, as a petulant, belligerent rule-breaking trainee. Actor Patrick Gibson begins as a cookie-cutter insubordinate, but warms to the role once he’s bouncing off M (herself a green leader looking to make her mark), and an enjoyably urbane Q who drops the frustrated quartermaster routine and introduces Bond to the wonders of vinyl. A scene where he teaches our agent to tie a bow tie is a perfect bit of prequelcraft: arriving at an iconic look through a lovely character touch. Continue reading...

The Leaked Apple Watch Series 12 Upgrades Everyone is Talking About

The Apple Watch Series 12 and WatchOS 27 are poised to deliver significant advancements in wearable technology. With a combination of innovative hardware and software enhancements, these updates aim to improve security, performance, and usability. By integrating innovative features, Apple seeks to redefine how you interact with your smartwatch, making it an even more versatile [...] The post The Leaked Apple Watch Series 12 Upgrades Everyone is Talking About appeared first on Geeky Gadgets .

Cotiviti Pledges Support to CMS Digital Health Ecosystem

Spotify adds narrated magazine articles to audiobook offering

Rollout includes stories from such major publications as Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety and Vanity Fair

Quad launches Indo-Pacific energy security framework to counter supply disruptions

New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) The Quad on Tuesday announced an Indo-Pacific energy security framework designed to counter supply disruptions through strategic fuel reserves, targeted policy initiatives and coordinated emergency response mechanisms. The move, firmed up at a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi, came amid increasing global concerns over disruptions in energy supply chains in view of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz through which around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes. The Quad meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The foreign ministers reiterated the importance of ensuring unimpeded freedom of navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce, including in the Strait of Hormuz, and opposed any restrictive measures hampering the flow of commercial vessels. They expressed a strong commitment to ensure "well-functioning, stable, transparent, secure and resilient energy markets" and reaffirmed the importance of "resilient and diversified" supply. The Quad called upon all energy market participants, including producer and consumer countries, to maintain transparent and open energy markets to ensure the stable availability of energy products across the Indo-Pacific region and globally in times of significant energy market volatility and disruptions. The ministers also underlined the importance of secure and uninterrupted trade flows, including the safety of navigation and the protection of critical maritime routes and infrastructure, as essential to global economic stability and energy security. Jaishankar told the media that the Quad nations believe strongly that economic resilience should be promoted and that supply chains should be strengthened. "Our deliberations touched on the current energy and fertiliser availability as well as that of critical minerals and resources. The goal is to intensify cooperation amongst ourselves, while also assisting others," he said. "In the coming days, whether it is economic activity, energy trade or maritime commerce, the Indo-Pacific will become even more important to the world," he said. An official readout said that India, the US, Australia and Japan will work to identify areas of cooperation for the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security in technology, management, policy, international market analysis and emergency response exercises through an "engagement plan". "This group effort would aim to recognise and leverage the unique resources and capabilities of each country's energy sector, including to strengthen their respective strategic petroleum systems," it said. They will work with partners in the Indo-Pacific to help strengthen regional energy resilience. The grouping said it is united by a "common vision" for a free and open Indo-Pacific, underpinned by robust economic and energy systems. "Recognising shifts in the global energy landscape and escalating geopolitical complexities, we are accelerating collaboration to ensure energy stability and security," it said. "We recognise impacts of disruptions to global markets, particularly in relation to oil, gas, and petrochemical products as well as essential goods and critical downstream derivatives such as fertilisers, fall heavily on the Indo-Pacific region," it said. The Quad grouping also highlighted the importance of regional initiatives to strengthen energy resilience, such as Japan's Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), India's support to energy security in South Asia and Australia's support to energy security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. PTI MPB RT

Why Global Brokers Attend iFX EXPO International 2026

iFX EXPO International 2026 returns to Limassol, 16-18 June, and for the global brokerage industry, it remains the single most important event on the calendar. Whether operating as an online trading or crypto firm, a prop trading company, a bullion dealer, a stockbroker, or a traditional broker, the challenges facing the industry in 2026 are real, complex, and accelerating. Regulatory pressure is tightening across jurisdictions. Liquidity costs are rising. Client acquisition is more competitive than ever. Technology cycles are shortening. And finding the right partners takes time that many brokerages simply don't have. iFX EXPO International brings these challenges, solutions, and decision-makers together under one roof in just two days. The challenges are known. The solutions are here. High market volatility continues to place pressure on execution infrastructure across asset classes, from forex and commodities to crypto and equities. Meanwhile, prop firms face evolving compliance environments, and crypto brokers are navigating both regulatory uncertainty and shifting client expectations around platform quality and transparency. These are not abstract problems. They are daily operational realities, and iFX EXPO brings together the firms with the tools to address them. Who attendees will meet and what they’ll find The expo floor brings brokerages into direct contact with liquidity providers, technology vendors, payment processors, Introducing Brokers (IBs), and affiliate networks, the full ecosystem, under one roof. Exhibitors confirmed for 2026 include names spanning trading infrastructure, RegTech, and fintech payments, such as B2Broker, Plus500, MetaQuotes, and more, giving attendees a practical shortlist of vetted solutions to evaluate in real time. Two dedicated conference stages run throughout the event, featuring topics such as “Fiat vs Stablecoins vs Bitcoin” and “When Crypto Platforms Trade Wall Street,” led by market leaders, regulators, and sector specialists. For brokerages tracking regulatory shifts or exploring new asset classes, this is practical market intelligence that would otherwise take weeks to source independently. Beyond the sessions, the structured networking environment, lounges, hosted meetings, and evening functions provide a more natural environment for meaningful business connections and long-term partnerships to develop. Register for free and unlock the full experience A registered pass grants access to the full exhibition floor, both conference stages, networking lounges, and official social events. Attendees can also use the app to explore exhibitors more efficiently. For decision-makers at brokerages of any type, this is direct exposure to the solutions, partners, and insights that drive growth. Register now to secure a place at iFX EXPO International 2026. Stay connected Follow iFX EXPO on social media for speaker announcements, exhibitor previews, and event updates in the lead-up to June. The full programme is taking shape, and the most relevant details for each brokerage category will be announced in the coming weeks. For brokers looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market, iFX EXPO International 2026 remains one of the industry’s key meeting points. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Democrats feud over stock trading as they sharpen anti-corruption case against Trump

After three terms in the U.S. House and two unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. Senate, Colin Allred said he’s heard plenty about voters’ suspicions that politicians are just trying to make a buck in Washington. The post Democrats feud over stock trading as they sharpen anti-corruption case against Trump appeared first on The Dispatch .

Strategy Provides Capital Structure Update after Completing $1.5 Billion Debt Repurchase

TYSONS CORNER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Strategy Inc (Nasdaq: STRF/STRC/STRK/STRD/MSTR; LuxSE: STRE) (“Strategy”) today announced the completion of a series of capital-markets and bitcoin transactions executed over the period May 11-25, 2026. These transactions include the previously disclosed repurchase of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (2029 Notes), the use of cash reserves for this purpose, and sales of Digital Equity (MSTR) and Digital Credi

BNB Plus Corp. (BNBX) Secures Initial Commitments for $4.1M in Strategic Financing

BNB Plus Corp. (Nasdaq: BNBX) ("BNB Plus" or the "Company"), today announced it has secured initial commitments for $4.1M of convertible preferred stock financing, with additional commitments anticipated to bring total proceeds to $5.0M (the "Financing"). Proceeds from the Financing will be used to bolster the Company’s digital asset treasury and will provide working capital in support of a comprehensive strategic review. With the anticipated proceeds, the Company expects to hold over $16.4M