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Apple Creative Studio Icons Are Unique and Not For Sale as Individual App Purchases

### Apple Creative Studio: A New Dawn for Professional Applications

Apple has unveiled the introduction of Apple Creative Studio, a subscription-based service that provides a remarkable collection of professional applications. This venture has sparked a blend of enthusiasm and discussion among users, especially concerning the newly designed app icons linked to the subscription service. Nonetheless, Apple has made it clear that users are not obligated to transition to these new icons, as both standalone and subscription options for the apps will be accessible.

#### Subscription vs. Standalone Options

In an official support document, Apple assured that users have the choice between the standalone purchase options of widely-used applications such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, among others, or the subscription variants incorporated in Apple Creative Studio. This adaptability enables users to preserve their preferred workflow without feeling pressured to move to the subscription format.

The subscription edition will incorporate exclusive AI functionalities, enhancing the applications’ capabilities. Still, users who have already bought the standalone versions will retain access to those apps and can install both options on their Macs. This dual offering is a pivotal development from Apple, addressing a diverse user demographic with varying preferences and requirements.

#### Unique App Icons

One of the most striking adjustments with the launch of Apple Creative Studio is the new selection of app icons. These icons function as a visual cue for the subscription editions of the applications. For example, apps such as Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Logic Pro will feature distinctive icons that set them apart from their standalone versions. This design decision aims to assist users in quickly recognizing which edition of the app they are utilizing.

Apple’s support document highlights that installing both versions is allowed, enabling users to alternate between them as necessary. This strategy not only improves user satisfaction but also provides a clear differentiation between the features offered by each version.

#### Release Date and Additional Information

Apple Creative Studio is scheduled to debut on January 28. For those keen on discovering more about the subscription service and its features, further information can be found in Apple’s official announcements and reporting from various tech news sources.

In summary, Apple Creative Studio signifies a major advancement in the domain of professional applications, offering users versatility and enhanced functionalities while retaining the option for conventional standalone purchases. As the launch date draws nearer, users are excited to delve into the new opportunities that this subscription service will present for their creative processes.

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9to5Mac Overtime Episode 055: Analyzing the Current Subscription Trends

### The Influence of Jeff’s Contributions at 9to5Mac: A Pioneer in Video Content Creation

Jeff, the leader of video content creation for 9to5, has greatly influenced the tech community since his arrival at 9to5Mac in 2016. His path commenced with a love for technology and a wish to assist others in comprehending it more effectively. Throughout the years, he has refined his abilities in producing diverse video content, including walkthroughs, how-tos, written guides, and reviews, all designed to clarify intricate tech subjects for a wide-ranging audience.

#### A Dedication to Transparency

A prominent trait of Jeff is his dedication to transparency in communication. He holds the belief that technology should be within reach for everyone, irrespective of their level of expertise. This philosophy is reflected in his video production technique, where he emphasizes the explanation of concepts in a straightforward, clear, and succinct way. This method not only aids viewers in understanding challenging topics but also empowers them to make educated choices regarding the technology they utilize.

#### Captivating Content for a Broad Audience

Jeff’s videos have accumulated hundreds of millions of views, illustrating their popularity and effectiveness. By tackling common inquiries and issues encountered by tech users, he has forged a devoted audience of viewers keen to learn more about the latest devices, software upgrades, and tech innovations. His knack for distilling complex subjects into easily digestible segments has established him as a reliable information source within the tech community.

#### The Importance of Video in Tech Learning

In the current digital era, video content holds a vital place in education and information sharing. Jeff’s efforts illustrate how video can serve as an efficient medium for imparting complicated subjects. His captivating presentation style, coupled with high-quality visuals and practical demonstrations, enriches the learning journey for viewers. This method not only captivates the audience’s attention but also motivates them to explore and experiment with technology independently.

#### Subscribe for Additional Insights

For those keen on keeping abreast of the latest in technology, subscribing to 9to5Mac on YouTube is essential. Jeff continues to generate fresh and relevant content catering to both tech aficionados and casual users alike. His commitment to delivering valuable insights and practical guidance ensures that viewers are well-prepared to navigate the constantly changing tech landscape.

In summary, Jeff’s position as the head of video content creation at 9to5Mac has had a significant influence on how technology is conveyed and perceived. His dedication to transparency, engaging content, and the educational potential of video has positioned him as a vital figure in the tech community, assisting countless individuals in enhancing their tech knowledge and capabilities.

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9to5Mac Overtime Episode 055: Analyzing the Current Subscription Trends
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Hyundai Reveals Boston Dynamics’ Advanced Humanoid Robots of the Future

Artificial intelligence is among the most significant technological advancements of the decade, with a majority of consumer electronics firms developing new AI functionalities for their products, ranging from chatbots to devices equipped with integrated AI. These advancements will result in more intelligent AI models that drive increasingly sophisticated gadgets, such as smart humanoid robots, many of which are already in conceptual or prototype stages. Various humanoid robots were displayed at CES 2026, including Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics Atlas robot. In contrast to less developed products that aren’t prepared for public launch, Atlas is already in production in advance of its anticipated deployment in Hyundai facilities.

Boston Dynamics stated during CES 2026 that the total Atlas production capacity for 2026 will cater to Hyundai. A strategic collaboration with Google DeepMind was also revealed, intended to “expedite technological progress for next-generation humanoid robots,” according to a Hyundai press release. Google’s DeepMind has been engaging in its own robotics AI research in recent years, including the impressive Gemini Robotics models that aim to enable robots to interact with their surroundings in a more natural manner. Boston Dynamics claims its Orbit platform will empower the Atlas to share acquired skills with other Atlas robots.

Production of the Atlas robots is scheduled to commence at Boston Dynamics’ headquarters, with plans formulated for Hyundai and Boston Dynamics to establish a factory capable of producing 30,000 humanoids each year. The commercial variant of Atlas, showcased on stage at CES, will be utilized for parts sequencing at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility in Savannah, Georgia, set to begin in 2028.

Capabilities of the Atlas Robot

Hyundai’s subsidiary, Boston Dynamics, presented an Atlas prototype robot (white model) at the 2026 CES to demonstrate its features, as the commercial version (blue model) was not operational during the announcement. Nevertheless, the two humanoid robots appear nearly identical and can execute similar functions. Boston Dynamics detailed that Atlas’s head is equipped with cameras on all sides for 360-degree vision.

The body’s design of Atlas is also a significant milestone. It resembles a human, complete with a torso, hands, and feet, yet boasts 56 degrees of freedom. This enables the robot to fully rotate its head, torso, hands, and fingers, allowing for more efficient interaction with nearby objects than a human can achieve. Atlas can also rise from a folded position, requiring less space when idle or not performing tasks.

Regarding its operational capabilities, Atlas has a battery lifespan of approximately four hours, thanks to dual battery packs housed in its torso. When the batteries become depleted, the robot will autonomously swap them out. Furthermore, Atlas is water resistant and can function under various weather conditions. Boston Dynamics indicated that the robot can operate within a temperature range of -4° to 104°Fahrenheit. By 2030, “Atlas will also undertake jobs that involve repetitive motions, heavy weights, and other intricate operations,” according to Hyundai.

Atlas nearing commercial release

Standing at 6.2 feet tall and weighing 198 pounds, Atlas possesses a reach of 7.5 feet, with hands featuring tactile sensing in the fingers and palms for dexterity, capable of lifting objects weighing up to 110 pounds. That represents the instant lift capability, while the sustained weight capacity is noted at 66 pounds. Additionally, when Atlas is engaged in heavy lifting, its battery life will be reduced by half, as per Boston Dynamics. Atlas can replace those batteries in three minutes, and the depleted packs can be recharged in one and a half hours.

In other words, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas is significantly closer to commercial deployment than its competitors, including Tesla’s Optimus, the multi-purpose humanoid robot that Elon Musk unveiled in 2024. However, Atlas will not be on the market for general sale in the near future. The robot will first be implemented in manufacturing settings, starting with Hyundai factories. Boston Dynamics has yet to disclose a price for the robot, so those hoping to purchase a humanoid AI robot for chores or assistance with tedious or physically taxing tasks should temper their expectations.

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Hyundai Reveals Boston Dynamics' Advanced Humanoid Robots of the Future
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Configuring and Utilizing Android AI Notification Summaries

Your Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 can condense lengthy conversations and more — here’s how to begin viewing AI-generated summaries.

Google is somewhat behind in the realm of AI notification summaries, as competitors like Apple and Motorola have already implemented comparable functionalities. User feedback has varied, with reports indicating inaccuracies and lack of usefulness. Now, Google is at last introducing AI notification summaries for Pixel users, providing an opportunity to demonstrate that a gradual approach can still achieve success.

The feature operates for notifications from widely-used messaging applications, streamlining lengthy chats into more manageable portions. This processing occurs on the device itself, but the feature is initially turned off, so you will need to enable Android’s AI notification summaries manually if you wish to access them. Here’s how you can activate it and tailor the settings to suit your preferences.

Who can utilize AI notification summaries (and their functionality)

Google introduced AI notification summaries in Android 16 with a Pixel Drop in December 2025. Importantly, this feature is limited to Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series devices, excluding the Pixel 9a.

Since the summarization process occurs on-device, the Pixel 9a’s more modest 8GB of RAM is likely insufficient for this feature. This also ensures that the details of your notifications are never transmitted to Google. Furthermore, summaries are exclusively available in English.

Notification summaries are crafted to assist with lengthy messages or group conversations from messaging applications such as Google Messages, Android Messages, WhatsApp, among others. It is not designed for brief texts, and as such, AI summaries may not generate in certain instances. AI summaries will only be produced if your screen is turned off momentarily and will not show when your device is in use.

When a notification is summarized using AI, a sparkle icon will accompany the generated text. You can tap the summary to unveil the complete message.

It is important to mention that an additional AI feature for notifications, Notification Organizer, was launched alongside AI summaries. We have a comprehensive guide for utilizing Notification Organizer if you’re interested in employing both AI functionalities simultaneously.

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T-Mobile Presents Complimentary Pixel 10 and Earbuds Without Any Trade-In Needed

Obtain a complete Pixel setup without charge in 2026.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
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T-Mobile Presents Complimentary Pixel 10 and Earbuds Without Any Trade-In Needed
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Apple Notes Could Acquire Major New Functionality in iOS 26.4, Based on Report

### Siri’s iOS 26.4 Enhancements May Include Apple Notes Integration

The forthcoming iOS 26.4 update from Apple is stirring interest, especially concerning major improvements to Siri. A recent report hints that these upgrades might feature a long-awaited function for Apple Notes aficionados.

#### Siri’s Updated Features Driven by Gemini Technology

In a significant collaboration, Apple and Google have affirmed that the Gemini technology will boost Siri’s functionalities. This alliance intends to incorporate sophisticated AI features into Apple’s digital assistant, representing a major revision of Siri’s capabilities.

Reports suggest that Siri will soon be equipped to handle various tasks, such as generating Notes documents. For example, users might request Siri to compile a cooking recipe or summarize details on different subjects, like the reasons for drug addiction. This functionality aligns with the previously introduced App Intents feature, which enables Siri to perform actions within and across various applications.

#### The Advantages of Siri’s Connection with Apple Notes

As a regular user of Apple Notes, the idea of storing Siri’s responses directly into notes is especially enticing. At present, users need to manually copy and paste data from AI assistants into Notes, which can be tedious, particularly when engaging through voice commands.

With the expected iOS 26.4 update, it is anticipated that Siri will streamline the creation of new notes and the addition of content to existing ones effortlessly. This improvement is likely to change the way users engage with Siri, making it a more integral component of their workflow.

Historically, Siri had limited connectivity with Apple Notes, but the advent of Gemini’s extensive language model (LLM) intelligence is predicted to considerably elevate its effectiveness. Users can look forward to a more efficient method for capturing and organizing data, enhancing Siri’s value compared to alternative AI chatbots.

#### Conclusion

The impending iOS 26.4 update is set to transform how users interact with Siri, particularly through its integration with Apple Notes. As these features become available, many users are keen to discover how they can utilize Siri’s skills to optimize their note-taking and information management practices.

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Apple Notes Could Acquire Major New Functionality in iOS 26.4, Based on Report
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Four Worrying Nvidia Graphics Card Trends for Consumers in 2026

escalating graphics card costs for typical consumers.

This implies that the company has shifted its focus away from gamers, rendering GPUs an even scarcer element to source and strategize for when constructing a desktop. With AI drawing increased interest from investors, it becomes simpler to concentrate on data centers and enterprise purchasers, as they can accommodate expenses that gaming consumers cannot and acquire products in large volumes with significant margins to support their vast-scale AI operations.

Therefore, this year appears to mark a turning point in an unfavorable direction for average buyers. Despite advancements in technology, it has become more challenging to obtain these types of products. With a decrease in Nvidia GPUs that provide solid value for their cost, assembling a PC that delivers reliable gaming frame rates has become substantially tougher.

AI data centers will drive up flagship GPU prices

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Four Worrying Nvidia Graphics Card Trends for Consumers in 2026
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CES 2026 Introduces Wearable AI Innovations Featuring Continuous Monitoring and In-Depth User Insights

With emerging AI assistants such as Lenovo’s Qira, technology companies are outlining the ultimate surveillance objective that began with smart eyewear.

Wearable AI is not a novel idea. The Humane pin and Rabbit R1 attempted to establish portable AI assistants as a mainstream option. Their infamous failures damaged that notion, yet it remained alive, as demonstrated by CES 2026. Over a dozen technology brands, particularly Lenovo, have advocated a particular AI vision: compact wearable devices that capture and transcribe your surroundings for later recall.

Consumers have embraced AI wearables like Ray-Ban Meta glasses or smartwatches, which offer familiar designs and functionalities beyond AI. However, tech companies still believe they can convince users of an essential, specialized wearable AI that accompanies them everywhere.

It is not far-fetched to use AI transcription as the core appeal of this idea. Recording applications like Otter are quite popular for taking meeting notes, and a portable, all-day transcription device would be beneficial during events like conventions. However, the ultimate goal is to capture and analyze every aspect of your life, and that is not an exaggeration.

Outside the optimistic and trusting atmosphere of CES, with its meticulously crafted presentations, it is reasonable to question if this continuously recording AI future represents yet another bubble poised to burst — or if these devices function as envisioned, whether that would be a positive development.

A brief overview of CES 2026’s abundance of wearable AI devices

The Pebble Index 01 sidestepped Oura’s legal issues by not incorporating health sensors and instead concentrating on transcription: press a button, say a few words, and the recording is sent to your smartphone for a voice-to-text reminder. Simple and enjoyable, it is significantly less ambitious and automated than other wearable AI technologies showcased at CES.

Mobvoi, previously a maker of Wear OS smartwatches, has shifted to the TicWatch Note, an all-day smartwatch featuring “instant, one-press recording for meetings, ideas, and voice moments,” plus “on-watch live translation.” That sounds sensible, but Mobvoi also makes vague promises regarding “AI-driven holistic analysis,” compiling a database from your spoken words synchronized with your location and health data.

In stark contrast to the Pebble Ring’s ambitions is Qira. Lenovo’s AI assistant is described as an “ambient system-level intelligence” that “accompanies you across PCs, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and more.” It can transcribe meetings or draft emails for you, but Lenovo envisions Qira observing your actions and providing “proactive, contextual suggestions” for your next steps.

Numerous technology companies aspire to create an “agentic AI” capable of independent action and anticipating user desires in consumer contexts. No one has succeeded yet, but Lenovo must demonstrate that Qira’s deductions are genuinely accurate or useful, believing it can achieve this by tracking every activity you undertake, whether digitally or in-person.

Lenovo’s vision for wearable AI begins with the Motorola Project Maxwell, a proof-of-concept designed to continuously record nearby sound and video. However, Lenovo Executive Vice President Luca Rossi told PC Mag that they are exploring additional wearables, from smart glasses to “ambient AI sensing devices” positioned throughout your home.

They aim to design a “personal AI twin” that is always aware of your activities, “regardless of the platform you are utilizing,” all to ensure Lenovo possesses “complete knowledge about you.”

Other technology brands at CES may lack Lenovo’s extensive platform reach, yet they share the same ambition. SwitchBot’s robots were highlighted among our favorite gadgets from CES 2026, but the company also introduced its “second brain”: the 18-gram AI MindClip that captures all of your conversations, sending them to the cloud for transcription and summarization, allowing you to “think more clearly” about your day’s events.

In a similar vein, the Plaud NotePin S — which can be worn as a pin, necklace, or bracelet — has the ability to transcribe and “extract” comprehensive summaries and flowcharts from your discussions with just a button press.

Memories.ai’s Project LUCI, a multifunctional pin featuring a 109º camera with a privacy switch, was aimed at developers rather than consumers “after observing various high-profile AI wearables fail,” according to the CEO. Nevertheless, he continues to make ambitious claims, asserting that the pin can already “remember individuals you meet, transform everyday experiences into meaningful video highlights, or provide full real-world context to AI agents.”

There were several other all-encompassing wearable AI devices at CES, such as the Looki L1 that “sees, hears, and comprehends your life,” but I must end here.

Other wearable AI devices focus on specific functions. For instance, Amazfit’s V1tal Food Camera is solely dedicated to wearable nutrition information: capture an image of your meal, and AI will evaluate its caloric and macronutrient content. I can’t envision consumers investing in glasses solely for this purpose, but this practical concept would enhance any smart

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CES 2026 Introduces Wearable AI Innovations Featuring Continuous Monitoring and In-Depth User Insights
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OnePlus CEO Pete Lau Confronts Arrest Order in Taiwan: Explanations Provided

**The CEO Faces Allegations of Hiring Engineers from Taiwan Illegally**

Taiwanese authorities have launched an arrest warrant for OnePlus co-founder and CEO Pete Lau amid claims of unlawful business activities and hiring procedures within the nation. Reports indicate that OnePlus allegedly recruited more than 70 engineers from Taiwan without acquiring the necessary governmental approval, breaching Taiwan’s Cross-Strait business regulations. The firm is accused of utilizing a Hong Kong shell company to carry out unauthorized R&D activities in Taiwan.

The Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office in Taiwan alleges that OnePlus has engaged in unlawful hiring practices since 2014. Moreover, two engineers from Taiwan have been charged in connection with this case. According to Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Act, Chinese firms cannot engage in business or recruit personnel in Taiwan without clear government consent. OnePlus, which has its base in Shenzhen, China, reportedly did not obtain such consent, resulting in the arrest warrant issued for Lau.

It is claimed that OnePlus established a shell company in Hong Kong and opened a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without the required government clearance. This branch reportedly conducted research and development, along with verification and testing activities for OnePlus smartphones, actions prosecutors assert violated prevailing cross-strait agreements.

In light of the allegations, OnePlus has declared that its business activities proceed as usual and are not impacted. From Taiwan’s viewpoint, this case is seen as a matter of national security, as the nation emphasizes the protection of its technological ecosystem and aims to hinder the movement of talent and intellectual property to China.

Although similar instances have occurred previously, Lau’s role is particularly notable given his position as CEO of OnePlus and Chief Product Officer at Oppo. The Ministry of Justice in Taiwan has yet to release a public statement regarding this issue.

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OnePlus CEO Pete Lau Confronts Arrest Order in Taiwan: Explanations Provided
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Influence of Apple Card on JPMorgan Chase’s Fiscal Results

**Chase Assumes Control of Apple Card: Consequences for JPMorgan and Users**

Recently, Apple formally announced that JPMorgan Chase will take over as the new issuer of the Apple Card, a development that has been on the horizon for some time. This shift holds major significance not just for Apple and its customers, but also for JPMorgan Chase, which has already indicated a detrimental effect on its financial results due to this acquisition.

### Chase Earnings Drop During Apple Card Transition

As reported by *The Wall Street Journal*, JPMorgan Chase’s profits decreased by 7% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the acquisition of the Apple credit card program playing a role in this downturn. The bank declared it would be assuming control of the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs, which led JPMorgan to register an extra $2.2 billion charge for potential future loan losses related to the estimated $20 billion in outstanding balances tied to the card. This charge had a notable impact on the bank’s earnings, resulting in a reduction of 60 cents per share for the quarter.

Even though the Apple Card enjoys popularity among consumers, it has not proven to be a financial win for Goldman Sachs, the initial issuer. The partnership has encountered numerous difficulties, resulting in considerable financial setbacks for Goldman Sachs. As Chase gears up to take over, it is proactively preparing for potential risks related to the card, indicating a cautious stance in its new role.

### The Prospective Path of Apple Card Under Chase

Chase’s decision to acquire the Apple Card prompts inquiries about the future of the product, particularly in light of the hurdles encountered by Goldman Sachs. While Chase is set to officially take charge of the Apple Card in two years, the bank is already making tactical moves to reduce potential losses.

Apple has indicated it will ensure stability for current Apple Card users, although changes are expected as Chase enacts its own strategies and policies. The particulars of these modifications remain uncertain, but users can likely anticipate alterations that may improve the card’s features or adjust its terms.

### Conclusion

The transfer of the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase signifies a notable transformation in the financial realm for both organizations and consumers. While Chase is preparing for potential hurdles, the future of the Apple Card will hinge on how adeptly the bank can manage the existing portfolio and innovate the product to better cater to its users. As further information becomes available in the upcoming months, both current and potential Apple Card users will be closely monitoring for updates regarding this new alliance.

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