AllYouCanTech

Apple’s iPhone Air Designer Leaving for Anonymous AI Startup

**Apple’s Brain Drain Persists: The Exit of Abidur Chowdhury**

Apple Inc. has been facing considerable turnover within its staff, especially in its artificial intelligence (AI) and design sectors. The latest update features Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer renowned for his key contributions to the creation of the iPhone Air, who has exited the organization to join an undisclosed AI startup.

### The Persistent Talent Exodus

Reports suggest that Apple has been struggling with a “brain drain,” particularly from its AI divisions. High-profile engineers and researchers are departing for rival companies such as Meta, Anthropic, and OpenAI. This trend is not limited to AI, as it also impacts Apple’s design team. Noteworthy exits include Evans Hankey, who succeeded Jony Ive in industrial design, along with several other veteran designers who have joined Jony Ive’s new team at io, recently acquired by OpenAI.

Chowdhury’s exit is a part of this broader trend. His departure has raised eyebrows internally, considering his ascending role within Apple’s design team. While his LinkedIn profile still reflects Apple as his current employer, sources have confirmed that he has transitioned to explore opportunities in the AI field.

### Chowdhury’s Influence at Apple

During his tenure at Apple, Chowdhury was instrumental in the creation of the iPhone Air, a product that has received considerable attention since its debut. However, it’s worth noting that his departure is said to be unrelated to the product’s release. His contributions to the design team have been acknowledged, and his exit signifies another major loss for Apple as it faces a competitive talent landscape.

### The Prospects of Apple’s Design Division

The ongoing departures raise concerns regarding the future of Apple’s design division and its capability to uphold its innovative edge. With critical personnel leaving for competing firms, Apple could encounter difficulties in preserving its status for avant-garde design and technology. The exit of experienced designers like Chowdhury may affect upcoming product innovations and the overall creative trajectory of the company.

As the tech sector continues to transform, the race for top talent remains intense. Apple’s capacity to attract and keep skilled professionals will be vital in sustaining its leadership position in the industry.

### Conclusion

Abidur Chowdhury’s departure from Apple underscores a wider trend of talent migration within the tech sphere, especially in the areas of AI and design. As Apple navigates this persistent challenge, the ramifications for its future creativity and product evolution will be closely monitored by industry analysts and consumers alike.

“News on Possible Follow-Up to ‘F1 The Movie’: Perspectives from Tim Cook and Director Joseph Kosinski”

As Apple gears up for the release of “F1 The Movie” for streaming on Apple TV, excitement is already mounting for a possible sequel. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film is scheduled to debut on December 12, after its previous availability for purchase or rental in August. With its success, both fans and participants in the project are keen to consider the continuation of the narrative.

Director Joseph Kosinski shared his eagerness for a sequel, expressing a wish to explore the characters and storylines introduced in the initial film. He indicated a desire to witness the future journeys of Sonny Hayes and the evolution of the APXGP team, implying that the story has more to reveal.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also suggested the possibility of a sequel during an interview at the Emmys, recognizing the film’s achievement as a summer hit and the exceptional talent involved. His remarks demonstrate a mutual interest among the creative team to broaden the F1 universe.

The consideration of a sequel is understandable, particularly since Apple recently secured exclusive streaming rights for F1 races in the U.S., which could enhance the franchise’s attractiveness. As fans eagerly await the streaming debut of “F1 The Movie,” the chance of a sequel contributes to the thrill surrounding the film.

For those looking to watch “F1 The Movie,” it will be accessible on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service that includes a selection of popular shows and films. The dialogue about a sequel emphasizes the film’s influence and the possibilities for future storytelling within the realm of Formula 1.

Apple Secures Legal Win as Supreme Court Declines to Examine Challenge on Lapsed Patent

**Apple, Google, and LG Electronics Triumph in Patent Case as Supreme Court Rejects Appeal**

Today, Apple, Google, and LG Electronics marked a substantial legal success as the U.S. Supreme Court decided against hearing an appeal concerning an expired patent, bringing an end to a heated legal struggle initiated by Gesture Technology Partners.

### A Brief Overview

The legal conflict dates back to 2021 when Gesture Technology Partners launched a lawsuit against Apple, Google, and LG Electronics. The claim alleged that these technology leaders violated U.S. Patent No. 7,933,431, which is titled “Camera Based Sensing in Handheld, Mobile, Gaming, or Other Devices.” This patent pertains to technology concerning input devices for computers, especially those utilized in 3-D graphics, functioning by optically detecting human input through cameras.

However, the patent had already lapsed in 2020, one year before Gesture Technology Partners initiated legal action against the three corporations. Regardless of the patent’s expiration, the entity pursued damages for asserted infringements that took place when the patent was still in effect.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board invalidated 31 of the patent’s 33 claims, and later, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled the entire patent as invalid.

### Today’s Developments

As per Reuters, the Supreme Court’s choice not to entertain the appeal effectively sustains the lower court’s decision. Apple, Google, LG, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filed briefs encouraging the Court to uphold the Federal Circuit’s ruling, asserting that even expired patents can be reviewed by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board due to ongoing implications for public rights.

On the other hand, Gesture Technology Partners argued that expired patents should be contested solely in federal court, beyond the jurisdiction of the PTAB. Nevertheless, with the Supreme Court opting not to intervene in the matter, the lower court’s ruling remains unaltered.

This result not only represents a notable victory for the involved tech firms but also establishes a precedent concerning the authority of the PTAB over expired patents, potentially affecting future patent litigation cases.

Apple Unveils Support for External Voice Assistants through Side Button in Japan

### Apple Unveils Side Button Personalization for Voice Applications in Japan

A recent update from Apple’s Developer blog indicates that users in Japan will soon have the option to reassign the side button on their iPhones to activate third-party voice-driven conversational applications instead of Siri. This feature is included in the upcoming iOS 26.2 update, which is currently undergoing beta testing.

#### Currently Exclusive to Japan?

Recent findings in the iOS 26.2 beta 3 code demonstrate that Apple is working on a new capability that enables users to customize the assistant triggered by the side button. A new system application, known as ‘SystemVoiceAssistant,’ is tied to this feature, hinting at a major transformation in user interactions with their devices.

As stated in Apple’s documentation, this feature will initially be available exclusively in Japan. Developers can utilize the App Intents framework to enable users to access their app’s features directly via the side button. This implies that users could potentially launch a voice-driven app instantly by pressing the side button.

#### Guidelines for Developers

Apple has provided detailed instructions for developers to activate their voice-driven conversational applications for this new capability:

1. **Include Entitlement**: Developers need to add the `com.apple.developer.side-button-access.allow` entitlement within their app’s Xcode project.

2. **Develop App Intent**: An app intent that complies with the `activate` app intent schema must be developed.

3. **Set Up Audio Session**: In the `perform()` implementation of the app intent, developers should proceed to the scene that offers voice functionality and establish an audio session.

Apple highlights that, as users anticipate immediate engagement with the voice assistant upon pressing the side button, developers should ensure their applications are prepared to respond promptly.

#### Prospective Availability

Although Apple has not verified that this feature will be accessible with the official rollout of iOS 26.2, the recent code revisions imply that a launch is probable soon. The documentation also provides sample code to help developers in implementing this new capability.

At this moment, the feature is confined to Japan, and it is yet to be determined if Apple will extend this feature to additional regions in the future. Developers and users are encouraged to express their opinions regarding the possibility of wider availability in the comments section of the announcement.

For further details and to access Apple’s sample code, visit the

iOS 26.2 Leak Indicates Possibility of Users Setting a Different Assistant as Default Instead of Siri on iPhone

**iOS 26.2 Beta 3: New Features and Possible Adjustments**

iOS 26.2 beta 3 has been unveiled, presenting intriguing updates, including improvements to AirDrop and the Measure app. Nonetheless, the most notable alteration suggested in this beta version is the opportunity for users to substitute Siri with third-party voice assistants when activating them through the iPhone’s side button.

### Third-Party Assistant Compatibility

The code within iOS 26.2 beta 3, as reported by 9to5Mac, suggests that Apple is gearing up to permit users to call upon third-party AI assistants via the side button, effectively replacing Siri. This functionality is associated with a new system app known as ‘SystemVoiceAssistant,’ which seems to facilitate the selection of various voice assistants.

The code contains references to a ‘Side Button App’ and several strings that imply users will have the ability to assign a voice-enabled app to the side button. Some notable code strings are:

– “Assign a voice-enabled app to the Side Button”
– “ASSISTANT_AVAILABILITY_PROMPT” = “%@ will be accessible once it completes downloading.”
– “APP_NOT_AVAILABLE_FOR_SIDE_BUTTON_IN_REGION = “%@ cannot be used with the Side Button in your region.”

The final string indicates that the availability of this functionality may be region-dependent, which could be vital for its rollout.

### Adherence to EU Regulations

This update holds particular importance as it aligns with Apple’s initiatives to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union. iOS 26.2 is anticipated to be the final significant software update before the holiday period, creating a strategic moment for Apple to enact necessary compliance actions prior to the year-end deadline.

While Apple has not officially validated these alterations, it seems probable that the option to utilize third-party assistants via the side button may be confined to users in the EU.

### Conclusion

With the launch of iOS 26.2 beta 3, users might soon have the capability to exchange Siri for their preferred voice assistant, boosting the adaptability and personalization of the iPhone experience. As the release date draws near, it will be captivating to observe how these features are executed and whether they will be accessible globally or limited to specific locales. Users are invited to express their opinions on whether they would opt to replace Siri with another assistant in the comments.

Data Brokers Trade Your Sensitive Information Every Day to the Highest Bidder

### The Concealed Expense of Free Applications: Grasping Data Privacy

In the current digital era, the saying “if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product” is especially applicable for numerous free applications and services. Although these platforms provide their offerings without any financial charge, they frequently capitalize on user data, selling personal details to data brokers. This article explores the ramifications of this approach and provides guidance on safeguarding your personal information.

#### The Data Collection Environment

Countless free apps and online services gather a broad spectrum of personal information, ranging from basic identifiers like email addresses to more sensitive data such as location information and browsing behaviors. Privacy policies, which are often lengthy and laden with legal terminology, usually specify the types of data gathered and the reasons for its utilization. A frequently encountered phrase in these policies is the vague “sharing certain data with trusted partners,” which effectively enables companies to sell your information to data brokers.

#### Dangers Linked to Data Sharing

The repercussions of data sharing can differ. On one hand, advertisers leverage this information to offer personalized advertisements, boosting their marketing efficiency. Conversely, the data amassed can be a treasure trove for cybercriminals and identity thieves. Data brokers, who compile and sell personal details, are prime targets for hackers. A determined individual can often unearth a trove of personal information, including phone numbers, home addresses, and workplaces, with little effort.

#### The Struggle of Data Deletion

Erasing personal data from the internet is a formidable challenge. It involves reaching out to various companies and maneuvering through complex removal procedures, which are frequently designed to be cumbersome. This endeavor is not only labor-intensive but also perpetual, as new data is constantly added to differing platforms.

#### Strategies for Data Privacy

To address the obstacles of data removal, services like [Incogni](https://bit.ly/444f32v) provide a remedy. Incogni focuses on eliminating personal information from data brokers and people search websites, offering a continual service that adjusts to changes in your personal situation, such as relocating or changing employment. With an unlimited plan, users can report newly identified data, and Incogni will manage the removal process, alleviating the hassle of dealing with individual companies.

#### Conclusion

As the digital environment keeps evolving, recognizing the consequences of data sharing is vital for protecting your personal information. By taking initiative and utilizing services designed to defend your data, you can make substantial strides toward preserving your privacy in an increasingly connected world. For those interested,