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Apple TV Unveils New Culinary Series ‘The Unlikely Cook Featuring Awkwafina’

Apple TV has broadened its programming offerings in 2025 with the launch of food-themed series, encompassing both scripted and unscripted formats. Notably, “Carême” provides a scripted storyline, while “Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars” features an unscripted examination of culinary prowess. Recently, Apple TV revealed an upcoming series called “The Unlikely Cook,” starring Awkwafina, which is set to explore modern Asian American cuisine.

“The Unlikely Cook” will highlight Awkwafina, known as Nora Lum, as she embarks on a personal quest throughout the United States to uncover her culinary roots. Although her family has a background in the restaurant industry—specifically, Lum’s, a prominent Cantonese eatery in Flushing, New York—Awkwafina confesses to having limited cooking abilities. The series will document her collaboration with celebrated chefs and her relatives to master the art of Asian cooking and to possibly redefine her family’s culinary tradition.

This new show bears thematic resemblances to “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy,” another popular series on Apple TV. While Levy traverses the globe as a hesitant voyager, Awkwafina will tackle the kitchen, presenting her amusing and relatable challenges with cooking. She has expressed appreciation for the chance to delve into her family’s culinary past through food, underlining its importance in her life.

Although no premiere date has been set for “The Unlikely Cook,” it is expected to debut in 2026. Apple TV, which provides a subscription service for $12.99 each month, continues to deliver a varied selection of content, including acclaimed series like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.”

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Liberty Media CEO Affirms Continued Talks Between Apple and F1 for Broadened Partnership Possibilities

**Liberty Media and Apple: A New Chapter for Formula 1 Streaming**

During a recent segment on CNBC’s “Money Movers,” Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang shed light on the freshly inked agreement between Liberty Media and Apple, which grants Apple the exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1 (F1) over the next five years. This arrangement signifies a major transformation in the media environment, especially concerning the consumption of sports content.

### The Evolving Media Environment

Chang stressed the swift advancement of media consumption, illustrating how technology has altered the way fans connect with sports. He noted, “The entire media landscape… has simply evolved over time due to what technology has allowed.” This transformation indicates that watching F1 is no longer limited to a conventional broadcast timeframe; rather, it embraces an “always on, always present” approach.

Apple’s technological prowess is anticipated to enrich the overall F1 experience, potentially enhancing brand visibility and fan interaction with the sport. Chang is confident that this collaboration will not only refine the content but also uplift the viewer’s experience.

### Future Opportunities for Global Streaming Rights

When asked about the potential for Apple to broaden its streaming rights on a global scale, Chang alluded to ongoing negotiations. He commented, “I believe Apple will be quite proactive… we see it as a robust partnership that might unfold in other regions.” While details remain confidential, the prospect for expanded cooperation suggests an invigorating future for F1 enthusiasts across the globe.

### Celebrating Achievements with “F1 The Movie”

Alongside the announcement of the streaming rights, Chang hailed the success of “F1 The Movie,” which has set records at the box office. The film, starring Brad Pitt, has struck a chord with viewers and is scheduled to debut for streaming on Apple TV on December 12. This further underscores the connection between F1 and Apple, as both organizations strive to broaden their influence and reach.

### Conclusion

The collaboration between Liberty Media and Apple represents a pivotal moment for Formula 1, using technology to bolster viewer engagement and experience. As the media landscape continues to transform, this partnership may lead to innovative methods of sports broadcasting, potentially redefining how fans engage with their beloved sports in the future.

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Verizon’s Newest Loyalty Initiative Triggers Customer Irritation

Verizon has a track record of subtly increasing customer bills with concealed charges per voice line, aimed at helping the company offset expenses related to the industry. Ultimately, this only translates to higher costs for the average consumer’s phone bill, which doesn’t lead to satisfied customers.

Even though Verizon patrons prefer lower expenses over an inexpensive photo book, this loyalty incentive still provides a valuable item from a recognized custom gift provider. Shutterfly’s online platform allows users to print their own pictures on calendars, mugs, blankets, and various other items. While some users may value the photo book offer, it doesn’t precisely address the concerns of Verizon customers.

What is included with the Verizon loyalty incentive

How Android Users Can Now Utilize Apple AirDrop Functionalities

The Keyword blog. This indicates that Android users can now share their videos and photos with others more conveniently and securely, even if those individuals are using an iPhone. However, there is a slight catch, as this feature is initially being rolled out to Pixel 10 users. Nonetheless, Google intends to extend it to additional Android devices in the future.

For those with a Pixel 10 who wish to Quick Share with an Apple user, first instruct the iPhone, iPad, or macOS user to access AirDrop settings and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes. Following that, tap the Share button on the content and then select Quick Share. Pick the iPhone, iPad, or macOS device from the list, then wait for the other user to press Accept.

Why Quick Share and AirDrop compatibility is significant

Cross-platform compatibility is a significant advantage for users. It not only alleviates the frustration of being confined to one ecosystem but also simplifies communication regardless of the device type they possess. Google states that the collaboration between the two operating systems has been a critical factor in its progress for Android, including efforts for RCS integration on iPhones and the capability to recognize unknown trackers.

Google further mentions

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Meta’s Head of AI Research Exits After 12 Years to Start New Venture

Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI, is set to leave in order to establish a new company focused on AI world models.

What you should know

– Meta’s leading AI scientist is exiting the company by the year’s end to launch a startup.
– Yann LeCun, the founder of Meta’s FAIR research division and a key figure in AI, has dedicated 12 years to the organization.
– LeCun’s forthcoming startup is designed to create AI world models and will collaborate with Meta.

Meta is evolving into an artificial intelligence powerhouse, integrating Meta AI into its social applications and devices. Nevertheless, the esteemed AI scholar, who spearheaded the company’s research initiatives for more than ten years, is now embarking on a journey to establish a new startup. Yann LeCun, Meta’s vice president and chief AI scientist, plans to leave to create a firm focused on “ushering in the next revolution in AI.”

The new venture will carry forward LeCun’s exploration of Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI), which he has studied as part of Meta’s FAIR research division and at New York University as a faculty member. LeCun will remain with Meta until the year’s end and states that further information regarding the new company will be disclosed later. Importantly, it has been confirmed that Meta will collaborate with LeCun’s startup “due to their ongoing interest and support.”

LeCun announced his impending departure in a message on Threads and other social media platforms on Wednesday, November 19.

“I am establishing a startup company to pursue the Advanced Machine Intelligence research program (AMI) that I have been working on over the last several years with my colleagues at FAIR, at NYU, and beyond. The purpose of this startup is to foster the next significant breakthrough in AI: systems that comprehend the physical world, possess enduring memory, can reason, and can devise intricate action plans.” – Yann LeCun, chief AI scientist at Meta

Currently available consumer AI products predominantly consist of large language models (LLM), which hold extensive knowledge derived from written content and various other resources. However, LLMs often face challenges in remaining up-to-date or providing a profound understanding of reality. Through LeCun’s AMI initiative, the researcher aspires to construct world models that offer reasoning, knowledge, and functionalities that mirror or approximate the capabilities of the human mind.

“In my vision, AMI will possess extensive applications across numerous sectors of the economy, some of which will align with Meta’s business interests, while many will not,” LeCun expresses. “Chasing the objective of AMI within an independent organization allows for maximizing its widespread influence.”

This transition will place the leadership of Meta’s FAIR research division in new hands for the first time since its establishment. It occurs at a moment when Meta is actively recruiting AI talent and companies to contend with the likes of Google, OpenAI, and others.

“The influence of FAIR on the company, on the realm of AI, on the tech community, and on the larger world has been phenomenal,” LeCun remarks. “The establishment of FAIR stands as my most cherished non-technical achievement.”

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ChatGPT Launches Group Chat Functionality Across Four Areas

**OpenAI Enhances Group Chat Capability in ChatGPT**

OpenAI has recently rolled out an important update to its ChatGPT platform, enabling users to participate in group chats for the first time. This feature is presently in testing across select regions, including Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, with intentions for a worldwide launch after receiving favorable initial feedback.

### Main Aspects of Group Chats

The group chat capability operates on the recently launched GPT-5.1 model, which improves the interaction experience by allowing ChatGPT to follow conversational dynamics. Users can partake in discussions without requiring prompts after every message, as the system intelligently determines the appropriate time to respond based on the conversation’s context. This advancement seeks to foster a more organic and smooth interaction among group participants.

Besides text replies, ChatGPT can also react to messages using emojis and refer to profile pictures of group participants. This feature provides a more tailored and immersive chat experience, where users can request enjoyable images that integrate group members’ photos.

### Launch and Upcoming Plans

Currently, the group chat capability is being trialed in a few regions. Nonetheless, OpenAI has stated that it plans to widen access to all logged-in users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans globally within days of the pilot’s encouraging reception. The company is dedicated to enhancing the group chat experience based on user insights as more users gain access.

### Summary

The launch of group chats in ChatGPT signifies a considerable advancement in how users interact with AI. By promoting collaborative dialogues and boosting user engagement through personalized options, OpenAI is establishing a new benchmark for chatbot capabilities. As the rollout progresses, users can anticipate a more engaging and lively experience with ChatGPT.

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News regarding Slide Over in iPadOS 26.2, Tesla’s compatibility with CarPlay, and conjectures about Tim Cook’s retirement

**Apple News Weekly Roundup: Key Highlights and Insights**

In the newest episode of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller explore important changes in the Apple universe. Here are the primary subjects discussed:

### Tim Cook’s Retirement Speculation
There are rumors circulating that Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, might announce his retirement sooner than anticipated, possibly in 2026. This speculation triggers questions about the company’s future leadership and the trajectory Apple will pursue in the years to come.

### iPadOS 26.2 Beta 3 Updates
Apple has acted on user suggestions regarding multitasking capabilities in the recent iPadOS 26.2 beta 3. These enhancements aim to improve the user experience and tackle concerns brought up by the community, demonstrating Apple’s dedication to refining its software based on user feedback.

### Tesla and CarPlay Integration
In an exciting twist for Tesla owners, rumors suggest that the electric vehicle company could soon roll out Apple CarPlay in its cars. This integration would enable Tesla drivers to seamlessly access Apple’s ecosystem, enriching their in-car experience.

### MLS on Apple TV
Beginning next season, Major League Soccer (MLS) will be available as part of the standard Apple TV subscription. This collaboration reflects Apple’s ongoing plan to broaden its content lineup and draw sports enthusiasts to its streaming service.

### 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus
In the exclusive segment of the podcast, the hosts contemplate the future of the Mac Pro and suggest that Apple might want to consider discontinuing the product. Those who subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus enjoy ad-free episodes, unique content, and bonus episodes for a monthly subscription fee.

### Feedback and Engagement
Listeners are invited to interact with the hosts by sending questions through Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, and can also provide feedback via email at [email protected].

For individuals interested in supporting the podcast and gaining access to more content, subscriptions can be found at 9to5mac.com/join.

### Conclusion
This week’s Apple news emphasizes notable changes within the company and its ecosystem, covering everything from leadership rumors to software enhancements and collaborations. As Apple continues to progress, the community remains active and anticipates what the future holds.

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Gemini AI Incorporated as Copilot Function in Android Auto

the vehicle, clock, and television. Since then, we have observed further indications that Google has been advancing Gemini experiences for Android Auto. Fast-forward to the middle of November, and Google is prepared to deploy Gemini support to all Android Auto users who have previously upgraded their Google Assistant to Gemini AI. The Android Auto upgrade will be accessible to additional users in the upcoming months, which signifies that Google is opting for a staggered rollout.

Android Auto is present in over 250 million vehicles, as stated by Google, so numerous users will have the opportunity to benefit from Gemini AI assistant functionalities while on the road. The AI will initially accommodate 45 languages, and your vehicle display will notify you when it’s accessible in your region. The primary benefit of Gemini over the Google Assistant is that the AI can decipher natural language and carry out tasks on behalf of the user almost instantaneously. Gemini can enhance hands-free conversations within the vehicle, making them safer and more effective, as the driver can concentrate on the road while engaging in a voice dialogue with the AI that resembles conversing with another individual.

Capabilities of Gemini in Android Auto

New Android Smartphone Boasts Remarkably Extended Battery Life

speculated smartphone featuring a 9,000mAh battery. Thanks to its capacity and intelligent AI battery optimization, it can provide 1,080 hours of standby time, support up to 45 hours with the flashlight activated, or last three to five days under heavy use.

In addition, Oscal asserts that users can enjoy music for around 58 hours, remain on calls for approximately 84 hours, or surf the internet for about 26 hours before needing to recharge. Its technical features encompass a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, alongside a 6.78-inch display boasting 2.4K resolution at 700 nits brightness and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The company also claims that the Tank 1 can accommodate up to 48 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, though this may be misleading, as some RAM might come from virtual SWAP support rather than being entirely physical.

Nevertheless, its triple camera setup consisting of 64, 50, and 20 MP sensors with night vision capability should capture stunning images. For example, it includes a drainage hole in the casing to expel moisture and lessen internal pressure buildup, optimally reinforced corners, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, and a frame made of aerospace-grade alloy. Oscal appears to be serious about this product.

Why would you need a rugged phone with such impressive battery life?

Over 1,000 hours of standby is exceptional. This level of battery performance is ideal for extreme situations, like working at a construction site, mountain climbing, traversing the remote wilderness, or delivering emergency services — it serves as a fantastic backup during local power outages as well. Any situation that is away from a power source. The Tank 1’s sturdiness is also noteworthy, with its IP68 and IP69K ratings, allowing it to be submerged for 30 minutes in waters up to two meters deep. It can endure drops from heights of 10 meters, resist pressure up to 1,200 kilograms (more than 2,600 pounds), and tolerate extreme temperatures ranging from -50 degrees Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit) to 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit).

It operates on DokeOS 4.2, crafted by Blackview, based on Android 15. It offers wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi 6, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.2, and employs A-GPS and GLONASS for navigation. Furthermore, the 20,000mAh battery can act as a power bank to recharge other devices via USB-C, utilizing its stored energy. Devices featuring such a massive battery are rare. There exists a conceptual phone that might last a week, but it is not available for purchase.

User reviews on <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2F

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USB Gadget Present Now 27% Discounted at Amazon

Black Friday is nearly here, which signifies a huge wave of deals ready to flood the internet. Identifying a fantastic bargain isn’t always straightforward, but thankfully we’re here to ensure that your shopping experience is not only seamless this season but also that you’re picking gifts that genuinely provide value for the cost. For anyone staring at their shopping lists unsure of where to begin, this intriguing gadget currently discounted at Amazon might be just what you need.

If you’re uncertain about what to buy for someone, then the [Penkou Portable Neck Fan](https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09PCSR9SX%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dstaticmedia-bgr-custom-20&btn_pub_ref=2031969-in_text-1) could be the ideal gift you didn’t even know existed. It’s a compact and portable device that can be worn around the neck to keep cool, along with providing some quite useful features and options. Thanks to this Amazon deal, you can save 27% off the standard $34.99 price, making this a desirable choice for anyone beginning their holiday shopping early.

We have experience with [unusual yet practical USB gadgets](https://www.bgr.com/1932574/strange-but-useful-usb-gadgets-on-amazon/), and while this portable fan may seem a bit odd, users might have a different opinion once it starts providing relief from the heat. It can serve as a fantastic accessory for those who regularly work outdoors during the summer or for the fitness enthusiasts in your life who are always on the move.

Stay cool with this portable fan

With researchers developing [innovative tiles that help keep buildings cool](https://www.bgr.com/science/researchers-invented-new-tiles-that-keep-buildings-cool-without-electricity/) without the use of electricity and [Google introducing extreme heat alert notifications in Search](https://www.bgr.com/tech/google-is-adding-extreme-heat-alerts-to-search-to-combat-climate-change/) some time ago, even the experts are searching for methods to beat the heat. So if you know someone who frequently complains about outdoor temperatures, the

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