Austin, TX

Michael Dell takes stage at SXSW 2024 to talk about failure, AI, Austin, UT and more

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

Michael Dell takes stage at SXSW 2024 to talk about failure, AI, Austin, UT and more

Michael Dell, founder of Round Rock-based Dell Technologies, views himself as technology optimist, and has had a front row seat to technology changes for the past 40 years since founding his company.

“It’s all just the preview for what’s to come,” Michael Dell said. “When I think about the future role that technology will play in the world, I think about the incredible innovations that we’re already starting to see in healthcare driven by technology … there’s never been a better time to be alive.”

During South by Southwest, he said these hopeful views also extend to Central Texas.

“My optimism is not just about technology. Technology has played a major role in all the great things that have happened in the world and certainly here in Central Texas,” he said.

Dell Technologies is one of the largest private employers in Central Texas, and employs 133,000 worldwide, including 13,000 in the Austin-area. The company saw a strong pandemic-era boom as people shifted to working from home and the company saw demand for its personal computers and other products boom. But it did cut 5% of its employees in 2023 to prepare for an expected economic downturn.

The founder and CEO spoke about his company, his thoughts on entrepreneurship, business, risk-taking and Austin in a Thursday South by Southwest session with Austin-based analyst Patrick Moorhead, of Moor Insights and Strategies.

Failure is a part of learning

Michael Dell founded the company when he was a freshman at the University of Texas, and said it was these early days where he learned about the importance of developing a team.

“You’ve got to surround yourself with great people, stay curious, always be learning,” he said. “We learned that integrity, reputation are the most valuable things and took a long, long time to build up and it’s really easy to destroy.”

He described being fortunate to be able to get a lot of people to join him “on this great adventure” and that Austin turned out to be a great place to attract people to.

Failing and making mistakes is a part of the learning process, he said, and it’s important to be agile and flexible. He said that at Dell Technologies it’s okay to make mistakes as long as the same mistakes aren’t being made twice. He views it better to try 10 things and get six right, than to try five and get all five right.

“Nobody has the right answer,” Dell said. “You’ve got to go figure it out.”

Michael Dell says artificial intelligence development is enormous

“It’s amazing to see the rapid pace of innovation and what’s going on,” Micheal Dell said, adding that technology comes in waves, but this one seems “bigger, more important and more significant.”

He said technology has always been a part of “enabling human potential,” and while he’s optimistic about AI, he acknowledged it will be hard for regulators to imagine how fast the technology is evolving.

“(AI development has) got to be done in a thoughtful way and reflect our humanity and I believe it’s going to be enormous,” Michael Dell said.

Moorhead also said AI is going to transform businesses.

“The last big opportunity out there was the Internet,” Moorhead said. “We’re at the beginning of a transition that’s not only going to make a lot of waves in the tech industry but also with people and corporations.”

On taking Dell Technologies private

Michael Dell, who founded Dell Technologies in 1984 and took the company public in 1988, took the company private in 2013 before returning to the public market in 2018. In the session, he said the time period that Dell Technologies was a private company brought a lot of challenges, but ultimately helped bring the company to its latest chapter. He added, public investors don’t really like volatility, so going private was a way to accelerate the company’s transformation.

“We’re in an industry where the pace of change is only going to accelerate,” Dell said. “It’s a ‘make quick change or die’ kind of industry and major transformations involve financial volatility.”

Austin then and now

Dell said he has had a front seat to watching Central Texas grow over the past several decades, and while it has grown significantly, the region has a great combination of innovative businesses and universities that make businesses of all sizes thrive.

“I believe that entrepreneurs go where their ideas flourish and are welcomed. Capitol goes where there’s opportunity, and extreme wealth,” Michael Dell said. “Turns out Texas is a great place for that … It’s been fun playing a part in that.”

Michael Dell said Austin’s natural beauty, balance between growth, development, mobility and all the things that make Austin special, will continue to help the city remain a great place full of opportunities.

“I’m bullish on Austin and Texas,” Dell said.

The importance of universities ‘can’t be overstated’

During his session, Dell emphasized the role the University of Texas plays in making Austin’s innovation scene and companies such as Dell Technologies possible, and said higher education institutes bring incredible resources.

“The importance of the University of Texas and the other universities in Texas, really can’t be overstated,” Dell said. “If you find great companies, there’s always a great university nearby. There’s no place in the world where that doesn’t exist.”

Advice for a nine-year-old

Michael Dell also answered a question about life advice from perhaps the youngest audience member, a 9-year-old.

“Learn as much as you can. Dream big. Have as many experiences and learnings as you possibly can, prepare yourself for the future,” Michael Dell said. “Find something you’re interested in and curious about exploring, and hopefully parents will let you do it.”

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Austin, TX

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Published

4 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group

As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.

Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!

Full-Service Gyms

Life Time

Image credit: Life Time Austin North

Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.

Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.

Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm

Hyde Park Gym

Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.

Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms

Korrect Fitness

Image credit: Korrect Fitness

Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.

Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.

Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.

Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7

FeV Iron Vault Gym

Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym

Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.

Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Group Fitness & Specialty Studios

Orangetheory

Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.

Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm

F45 Training

F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.

Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm

Big Tex Gym

Image credit: Big Tex Gym

Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.

Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7

Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

Published

16 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

article

Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.

The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.

Williamson County double-homicide

What we know:

Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.

Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.

Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Williamson County officials comment

What they’re saying:

“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.

Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.

“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.

What we don’t know:

The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.

The victims were not identified.

The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.

The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

Williamson CountyCrime and Public Safety

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Austin, TX

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

Samsung is taking steps to provide Apple with image sensors built with advanced technology for iPhones. Reportedly, the sensors for the iPhone will be manufactured in Samsung’s current Austin, Texas facility, and the company is anticipated to soon have production equipment installed for the upcoming project.

The image sensor of the iPhone is expected to have a three-stack design for better low-light performance and a higher density of pixels with multiple layers stacked vertically. This results in less power consumption, a dynamic range that’s higher, and faster speeds for readouts.

It’s believed that the new sensor will be made for the upcoming iPhone 18 in 2027. Apple and Samsung have reportedly arrived at a deal where Samsung will be supplying the component for the sensor. This marks the first occasion Apple will be going with another company apart from Sony as their main supplier for image sensors for its iPhones.

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