AllYouCanTech

Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s Request Regarding ‘io’ Name Rejected

The legal battle between OpenAI and iyO took a new turn following a ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Here are the specifics.

### Some background information

Earlier this year, shortly after OpenAI announced its acquisition of Jony Ive’s io company, iyO, Inc. initiated a lawsuit over purported trademark infringement.

In the ensuing days, several documents were made public, revealing intriguing details, such as the attempt by iyO CEO Jason Rugolo to recruit Evans Hankey while she was still Apple’s VP of Industrial Design, prior to her joining Ive’s new venture.

The documents further indicated that Ive and Altman selected the name io in mid-2023, and that Rugolo reached out to Altman in early 2025 requesting funding for a project focused on “the future of human-computer interaction.”

At that time, Altman turned down the proposal, disclosing that he was engaged in “something competitive,” to which Rugolo responded, “ruh roh. / want to work together?”

Therefore, when iyO filed a lawsuit, asserting that OpenAI was poised to enter its sector under a similar name and with comparable products to its intended AI-driven in-ear headphones, OpenAI responded.

The firm asserted that io’s initial offering would not include an in-ear headphone or a wearable, and claimed that Rugolo had not only provided unsolicited information about his company but also suggested OpenAI acquire ioY for $200 million.

Initially, the court sided with iyO and granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), preventing OpenAI from utilizing the io branding. Consequently, OpenAI removed the partnership announcement video and references to io from its website.

Following this ruling, OpenAI appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, leading us to the latest ruling.

### The latest ruling

On Wednesday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the TRO, indicating that OpenAI remains barred from using the io branding to promote forthcoming products that could be akin to those of iyO.

According to iyO’s press release, the court substantiated iyO’s grievances regarding:

– **Likelihood of Confusion:** The Court observed that “IO” and “iyO” are phonetically similar and that the offerings are related, as both firms aim to market new computers featuring AI-powered natural language interaction.

– **Reverse Confusion:** The Court acknowledged the risk of “reverse confusion,” where a larger, better-financed secondary user (OpenAI/IO Products) floods the market, causing consumers to think the smaller primary user (iyO) is the infringer.

– **Irreparable Harm:** The Court confirmed that the defendants’ aggressive launch “jeopardized iyO’s ongoing fundraising efforts” and posed a threat to iyO’s brand integrity.

With the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling, the case is expected to proceed in the district court for a Preliminary Injunction hearing, which will either maintain, narrow, or broaden the restrictions.

Do not expect a quick resolution. After the court granted the TRO, the Preliminary Injunction was set for April 2026, with fact and expert discovery, dispositive motions, and a jury trial extending through 2027 and 2028.

Apple Projects Christmas Trees Designed for iPad onto Battersea Power Station

Apple has recently introduced a competition for drawing Christmas trees, targeting British iPad users, with the winning entries poised to be showcased at Battersea Power Station. This initiative enables the chosen designs to be lit up on the famous wash towers of the power station until December 24, contributing to a festive ambiance for all attendees.

Among the winners is 7-year-old Miah D.B., whose artwork will be featured alongside 23 other selected works. These designs will be displayed next to pieces from celebrated artists and public figures, including Kylie Minogue, Sir Stephen Fry, Maro Itoje, Oliver Jeffers, David Shrigley OBE, and Chawawa. This competition is part of Apple’s continuous aim to connect with the community and foster creativity through technology.

This year’s contest comes after Apple’s 2023 installation named “Bigger Christmas Trees,” which showcased designs by the renowned artist David Hockney. Last year’s event included an Aardman animation produced with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, underscoring Apple’s dedication to innovation and artistic creativity.

In a press release elaborating on the competition, Apple highlighted its substantial footprint in the UK, pointing out that it backs over 550,000 jobs. The company opened its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station in 2023, a cutting-edge facility covering 500,000 square feet and powered by 100% renewable energy. The headquarters’ design emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, wellness, and sustainability. Besides its Battersea location, Apple also has offices in Bishopsgate, Cambridge, St. Albans, and Swindon, as well as 39 Apple Store locations across the UK.

For those keen on exploring all 24 winning tree designs, further details can be accessed on Apple’s official website.

Improvements to Live Activities in iOS 26 for iPhone: Major Updates and Functionality

**Live Activities in iOS 26: Improvements and Fresh Features**

Live Activities have emerged as one of the most valued features on the iPhone, and with the latest advancements in iOS 26, their capabilities have broadened considerably. Here’s a comprehensive summary of what’s been added and refined.

### Fitness App Incorporates Live Activities for Workouts

Once limited to the Apple Watch, running workouts are now fully integrated into the Fitness app on the iPhone, particularly with the addition of heart rate tracking in AirPods Pro 3. A standout upgrade in iOS 26 is the automatic launch of Live Activities anytime a workout commences. Whether you start your workout on your iPhone or Apple Watch, a Live Activity will display on your Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island, facilitating easy monitoring of your workout duration and the option to pause exercises as required.

### Scheduling Live Activities for Future Use

Building upon last year’s feature in the Sports app, iOS 26 introduces a new developer API that allows third-party applications to schedule Live Activities. This means that Live Activities can now automatically activate at predetermined times, such as the start of a game, opening opportunities for creative applications across different platforms.

### Live Activities for Wallet’s Revised Boarding Passes

The Wallet app has received major enhancements in iOS 26, including upgraded boarding pass functionalities. One of the main improvements is the addition of Live Activity support for boarding passes, permitting users to access vital flight information directly from their Lock Screen. Furthermore, these Live Activities can be shared, allowing users to transmit flight tracking details to friends or family.

### CarPlay in iOS 26 Introduces Live Activities

Apple has concentrated on enhancing Live Activities across various platforms, and with iOS 26, CarPlay now includes this functionality. Live Activities from your iPhone will smoothly sync with the CarPlay Home Screen, enabling users to keep track of a range of activities such as flight updates, food deliveries, and sports scores while driving.

### Mac and iPad Also Support Live Activities Now

In a notable development, Apple has brought Live Activities to Mac and iPad through macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26. Each platform offers a distinct experience:

– **Mac**: Live Activities from the iPhone will be available in macOS Tahoe as an extension of iPhone Mirroring. Users can access Live Activities in the menu bar and expand them for additional information.

– **iPad**: Live Activities are integrated into the new Background Tasks feature, which is especially beneficial for professionals engaged in demanding tasks like video exports. Users can monitor these activities without having to keep the app open.

### Conclusion

The updates to Live Activities in iOS 26 signify a major progression of this feature, enhancing its versatility and integration within Apple’s ecosystem. Whether for fitness tracking, event scheduling, travel monitoring, or multitasking on Mac and iPad, Live Activities are poised to significantly enrich user experience. Which new features are you looking forward to the most?

Apple TV Unveils Official Trailer for ‘Born to be Wild’

Apple has released the inaugural trailer for its eagerly awaited wildlife docuseries, “Born to be Wild,” which is scheduled to debut on December 19. This six-part series, narrated by Hugh Bonneville, enhances Apple TV’s expanding library of natural world programming.

“Born to be Wild” follows the journey of six at-risk young animals, such as cheetahs, penguins, and elephants, and showcases the partnership between humans and wildlife conservation initiatives. Shot over several years in five different countries, the series aims to offer a close-up view of the obstacles and victories experienced by these animals and the devoted people striving to safeguard them.

The series highlights the narratives of several animals, including an elephant calf, two young cheetahs, a ring-tailed lemur pup, a moon bear cub, Iberian lynx kittens, and rescued African penguins. It underscores the deep emotional bonds between these creatures and the humans dedicated to their recovery and return to the wild, ultimately working to preserve their species.

Audiences can view the trailer for “Born to be Wild” on Apple TV, where the series will be accessible for streaming. An Apple TV subscription is available for $12.99 per month, offering a wide selection of popular shows and films.

For additional details and to watch the trailer, visit

tvOS 26.2 Launches Updated Release Candidate for Apple TV 4K Before Official Debut

Apple has recently introduced an updated release candidate (RC) version for its forthcoming tvOS 26.2 software update, merely a day after the original RC version was provided to developers and public beta testers. This modified build, marked by the build number 23K53, aims to fix significant bugs found in the earlier version, 23K51, prior to the anticipated public launch as soon as next week.

The tvOS 26.2 update is poised to bring a variety of new features, especially focused on improving user profiles on the Apple TV 4K. Notably, users will now be able to establish new profiles without the necessity of an associated Apple Account. Moreover, the update will feature options for children’s profiles that limit content in Apple’s TV app to titles suitable for their age, fostering a safer viewing atmosphere for younger viewers.

In addition to these new functionalities, tvOS 26.2 will also deliver various bug fixes and enhancements in performance, which are essential for ensuring a seamless user experience. The specific alterations between the two RC builds have not been revealed, but the launch of a revised build typically suggests that Apple has implemented essential changes to rectify any urgent issues prior to the official launch.

As the release date nears, users currently testing the tvOS 26.2 update are encouraged to contribute their experiences and any new insights in the comments. This feedback is invaluable for both Apple and the community as they get ready for the official rollout of the software update.

Rivian Set to Launch Apple Wallet Car Keys Compatibility in Upcoming Software Update for R1T and R1S Models

Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid announced today that the .46 OTA update will introduce Digital Key support for the second-generation R1S and R1T. Here’s what this entails.

## Unlock using the iPhone and Apple Watch, even with a dead battery

With today’s announcement, Bensaid confirmed that later this month, the .46 OTA update will enable iPhone users to save their key for a Gen 2 Rivian in their Apple Wallet, and utilize their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock and unlock their vehicle.

The update will provide full Digital Key support, including UWB capabilities for high precision, and NFC support, which, as he stated, “unlocks (…) even if your phone battery dies” for up to 5 hours using Power Reserve on compatible devices.

Additionally, the update will allow for sending a digital key via text, permitting a friend or contact to approach the vehicle and lock, unlock, or start it.

Furthermore, the update will increase the maximum number of digital keys per vehicle from 4 to 8, “making it simpler than ever to manage access for family and friends,” as per Rivian.

Besides the iPhone and Apple Watch, the .46 update will also extend full Digital Key support to Google and Samsung digital wallets.

## But wasn’t this already available?

Not exactly. Until now, Rivian’s digital key on first-gen R1T and R1S models depended on their app via Bluetooth, instead of a native system-level key.

In simpler terms, there was no integration with Apple Wallet, no support for Google or Samsung Wallet, no UWB for precise proximity, and no method to unlock the vehicle with your phone when the battery was depleted.

With the Gen 2 hardware platform (particularly the new UWB modules), Rivian is transitioning to true OS-level digital keys in the Wallet app, which operate over UWB, can be shared via text, and continue to function even when the iPhone is out of battery.

Current Offers: $90 Discount on AirPods 4 with AppleCare+, 49% Discount on Apple iPhone 17 Cases, Discover My SmartLock, Black Alpine Loop, and More

**Apple Accessory Offers: AirPods 4, iPhone 17 Cases, and More**

In the most recent issue of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, numerous noteworthy accessory offers have surfaced, featuring substantial markdowns on Apple products. The ongoing sale for AirPods 4, currently marked down to a record low of 45% off, stands out prominently. Furthermore, consumers can now acquire AirPods 4 together with a 2-year AppleCare+ plan at a reduced price.

### Apple’s ANC AirPods 4 with 2 Years of AppleCare+ for $118

At this moment, Amazon is providing Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for merely $99, an impressive 45% reduction. For those in need of additional coverage, a package that includes the AirPods 4 and a 2-year AppleCare+ plan is available for $118, down from a standard price of $208. This offer results in a savings of $90 compared to buying the items individually. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, hardware, and battery concerns, alongside 24/7 tech assistance.

### iPhone 17 Silicone MagSafe Case for $25

Alongside the AirPods deal, all color options of Apple’s official iPhone 17 Silicone MagSafe cases are now selling at $25, which reflects a 49% discount from the regular $49 price. This deal is perfect for anyone aiming to safeguard their new iPhone 17, making it a fantastic stocking stuffer for the holiday season.

### Black Alpine Loop for Apple Watch Ultra 2/3

For Apple Watch aficionados, Amazon has slashed the price of the black Alpine Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3 to $81.18, reduced from the regular $99 price. This chic accessory is tailored specifically for the Natural titanium finish and serves as an excellent enhancement for those looking to elevate their Apple Watch experience.

### Discounts on Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is also experiencing considerable discounts, with prices commencing at $329. Following the Cyber Monday promotions, multiple configurations remain available at these reduced prices, but they are predicted to increase soon, so prompt action is advisable for interested buyers.

### Overview of Accessory Offers

– **AirPods 4 with AppleCare+**: $118 (Reg. $208)
– **iPhone 17 Silicone Case**: $25 (Reg. $49)
– **Black Alpine Loop for Apple Watch**: $81.18 (Reg. $99)
– **Apple Watch Series 11**: Starting from $329

These offers provide an exceptional chance for Apple fans to save on sought-after accessories and gadgets, particularly as the holiday season draws near.