Transform Group

Apple's On-Device Foundation Models Transform iOS ML

The article explains Apple’s Foundation Models framework in iOS 26, which enables a ~3 billion-parameter language model to run fully on-device on A17 Pro and M1+ devices. The Swift-native API (SystemLanguageModel.default) adds features such as the @Generable macro, guided generation, LoRA adapters for lightweight fine-tuning, and a Tool protocol for integrations. On-device inference promises near-zero latency, stronger privacy, and no per-request API costs, but developers must manage memory (the 3B model uses ~2–3GB RAM), thermal throttling, and battery impact. The piece includes example Swift code, architecture patterns (context management, caching), performance tips, and guidance on device/support compatibility (iOS 26, iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and newer, recent iPads and Macs).

Power BI: Connect, Preview and Transform Any Data

This technical how-to guides data analysts through connecting nine common data sources to Power BI and preparing them with Power Query. It covers connection steps for Excel, CSV, PDF, JSON, SharePoint folders, SQL Server, MySQL, web endpoints, and Azure Analysis Services, and shows how to launch Power Query, preview and profile data (Column Quality, Distribution, Profile), expand hierarchical JSON, authenticate to SharePoint/Azure sources, choose Import vs DirectQuery for databases, and apply transformations before loading to the data model. The article emphasizes profiling data quality, documenting applied transformations, and preserving relationships when combining multiple sources into a single Power BI model.

AI Tools Transform Influencer Creator Selection

Agencies are increasingly using AI-driven discovery and selection tools to scale and optimize influencer campaigns. Dentsu has deployed an AI agent called Creator & Trends Studio (CATS) — built around an API deal with Meta — to recommend creators by topic, profile and trend participation. Independent agencies such as Later use AI to match briefs with candidate creators and model expected content performance from historical engagement. Brands and agencies say the tools enable managing far larger creator rosters (Walmart cited “hundreds of thousands” of creators) and improve measurable outcomes; Dentsu reported uplifts for clients including Elizabeth Arden (14.3% increase in unaided ad recall and 41% rise in sales conversions from partnership ads). Agencies emphasize human oversight remains for top-tier talent, while AI handles large-scale discovery for nano- and micro-influencer programs.