Technology News 13/12: Starbucks tests pre-ordering system, DDR5 RAM prices climb.

Starbucks is testing a reservation feature.

Starbucks is testing a new feature that allows customers to schedule their drink pickup time in advance. CEO Brian Niccol shared at the Wall Street Journal conference that the goal is to help customers order coffee for their desired time, for example 5:30 AM, so the system can process orders more efficiently.

This feature is considered an upgrade to the intelligent queuing algorithm that Starbucks has already implemented. Thanks to the new system, more than 80% of stores have shortened service times to under 4 minutes.

Starbucks is experimenting with new methods to improve its service. (Source: Starbucks)

Additionally, Starbucks is developing AI technology to predict demand, combined with the Green Dot Assist AI assistant – a chatbot that supports baristas in real time. The goal is to reduce overcrowding at the beverage counter while meeting the growing demand from mobile orders.

Starbucks expects that combining reservation, AI, and intelligent management will enhance the customer experience and ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.

AirPods Pro 3 drop to record low price.

Apple has just lowered the price of AirPods Pro 3 to its lowest level ever – just $199, a 20% discount from the original price and even cheaper than during Black Friday. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your headphones with many new improvements.

AirPods Pro 3 are equipped with the H2 chip and upgraded active noise cancellation (ANC). The headphones use foam ear tips for better sound isolation, combined with super noise-canceling microphones and audio algorithms to effectively eliminate noise.

AirPods Pro 3 - the perfect upgrade with a sophisticated design, superior noise cancellation, and a record-breaking price drop to just $199. (Source: Engadget)

Additionally, Apple has added a heart rate sensor, allowing users to monitor their health directly through the Fitness app. Another highlight is Live Translation, which supports live conversation translation into multiple languages such as English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Chinese.

According to Engadget's review, AirPods Pro 3 scored 90/100 points, considered the best AirPods currently available thanks to its sound quality, improved battery life, and a range of smart features.

Framework increases DDR5 RAM prices by 50%.

Framework – a manufacturer of modular laptops – has just announced a 50% price increase for DDR5 RAM on new orders of its Laptop DIY Edition line. This increase is said to still be lower than the current market price, and Framework has committed to lowering the price when market conditions allow.

The company stated that the new price would not apply to pre-orders, only to new orders. Additionally, Framework updated its return policy: If customers wish to return a laptop, they must also return the included RAM to prevent speculation.

Framework is the latest company to raise prices in response to soaring memory costs. (Source: PCMag)

Previously, Framework stopped selling DDR5 RAM as a standalone product to protect the supply for DIY laptop buyers and prevent it from being hoarded by scalpers.

The framework also warns that RAM prices may continue to rise in the near future due to the volatile memory market. This could affect the pricing of systems using DDR5, LPDDR5X, and GDDR.

The framework asserts that the price increase is solely to offset supplier costs, not to increase profits. They also criticize major companies like Dell and Apple for "gouge"—exploiting RAM prices to excessively raise their own selling prices.