Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Head of Design Alan Dye Departs for Meta
    Apple’s Head of Design Alan Dye Departs for Meta

    **Alan Dye Exits Apple for Meta: A Change in Design Leadership**

    Alan Dye, who has been the vice president of Human Interface Design at Apple since 2015, is preparing to leave the company to join Meta. This transition aligns with Meta’s approach to strengthening its portfolio of AI-enabled consumer devices, according to Bloomberg. Dye’s official start at Meta is set for December 31, 2025.

    Steping into Dye’s position at Apple will be Stephen Lemay, a veteran in design with 26 years of experience at the company. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, voiced his confidence in Lemay’s skills, emphasizing his substantial contributions to Apple’s design heritage since 1999. Cook remarked, “Design is essential to our identity at Apple, and today, we have an exceptional design team working on the most groundbreaking product lineup in our history.”

    Dye’s exit occurs as Apple’s executive leadership had been expecting modifications in its design leadership. At Meta, he will lead a new design studio concentrating on the amalgamation of hardware, software, and AI within the company’s product spectrum. Moreover, Billy Sorrentino, a design executive at Apple, is also departing to join Meta, reflecting a wider trend of talent transitioning from Apple to rival companies.

    Throughout his time at Apple, Dye was crucial in several major projects, especially following the departure of famed designer Jony Ive in 2019. His latest accomplishments include overseeing the significant Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 and introducing a new design language at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. He also played a key role in the design of the Apple Vision Pro and visionOS.

    This leadership change at Apple is part of a broader series of shifts within the organization. Recently, John Giannandrea, the senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, declared his retirement, effective spring 2026. Other significant exits include COO Jeff Williams and CFO Luca Maestri, further indicating a transitional period for Apple. There is also speculation regarding Tim Cook’s possible departure as CEO, which may happen as early as next year.

    The departure of crucial personnel isn’t confined to Apple alone; Jony Ive’s design agency, LoveFrom, and OpenAI have also recruited former Apple designers, collaborating on AI-driven hardware projects under the brand io.

    As Apple experiences this transition phase, the effects of these leadership changes on its design ideology and product advancement remain to be observed.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Broadens Health Capabilities of Apple Watch and AirPods to More Regions
    Apple Broadens Health Capabilities of Apple Watch and AirPods to More Regions

    ### Apple’s Global Deployment of Health and Assistive Features Proceeds

    Apple is broadening its health and assistive capabilities worldwide, as noted by MacRumors. The newest enhancements consist of hypertension alerts for Apple Watch users in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. This functionality employs 30-day heart data gathered by the Apple Watch to notify users regarding possible hypertension concerns. Although it might not capture every case of hypertension, Apple projects that more than 1 million users will gain from this feature during its inaugural year of release.

    Alongside hypertension alerts, Apple is launching Sleep Apnea notifications in Colombia. This functionality observes breathing irregularities during sleep and alerts users if there are recurrent indications of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

    Additionally, Apple is unveiling numerous assistive features for AirPods in various European nations, including the UK, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Ireland, and Denmark. These features include a Hearing Test and a Hearing Aid with automatic Conversation Boost, designed to assist users in recognizing hearing challenges and refining their AirPods settings to suit personal requirements.

    For further details about these features, you can visit Apple’s support page.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Eliminates Essential Home App Functionality, Disheartening Parents
    Google Eliminates Essential Home App Functionality, Disheartening Parents

    **Google Eliminates the ‘Call Home’ Function from Nest Smart Displays**

    Google has recently eliminated the “Call Home” button from its Home app, leading to inconvenience for numerous Nest smart display users. This feature, launched in 2019, enabled users to effortlessly call their smart displays directly from their phones without the need for extra phone numbers or apps. It was especially favored by parents who utilized it to check in on their children while away from home.

    The removal of this feature has left users feeling irritated, as it was a key component of their daily habits. Google has not offered an official explanation for this modification, and support agents have merely recommended that users provide feedback. Speculation indicates that this could be part of a larger revamp of Google’s smart-home ecosystem, potentially connected to the new Gemini integration and modifications to the Home app.

    At present, the sole alternative is to use Google Meet per device, which requires establishing unique Google accounts and navigating a tedious setup process. This option is far from the smooth experience that the “Call Home” button offered.

    This alteration is reminiscent of previous occasions when Google has simplified its services at the cost of features users have become accustomed to, such as when Google Keep reminders were transitioned to Tasks. It remains unclear whether Google will bring back the “Call Home” feature in another format or if it has been permanently discarded. Until an official announcement is made, Nest users will have to adjust to the change or seek other smart-home alternatives.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iOS 26.2 Release Candidate Ready Ahead of December Public Rollout
    iOS 26.2 Release Candidate Ready Ahead of December Public Rollout

    Ahead of the December launch of iOS 26.2, Apple has just released the Release Candidate for its forthcoming operating system update. In the prior version, the company kept adding notes about the yet-to-be-announced AirDrop with PIN feature while also extending Hypertension Notifications to third-party applications.

    Commencing with the development of the AirDrop PIN feature, the AirDrop settings menu now includes a new section titled “Manage Known AirDrop Contacts.” Although it is currently non-functional, it indicates that users will be able to automatically appear for 30 days to individuals with whom they have shared a one-time code.

    Additionally, Apple’s developer portal indicates that Hypertension Notifications will be accessible to developers via a new API. This allows third-party apps to request permission to access those notifications from the Apple Watch and incorporate them into their applications. Here’s what else Apple has been focusing on in iOS 26.2, and what you can anticipate soon.

    What else to look forward to in iOS 26.2

    Apple continues to enhance the Liquid Glass experience as it rolls out more updates for iOS 26. In the earlier betas, the company introduced improved animations for navigating menus and modified the parameters for adjusting transparency when utilizing the tinted option.

    In Japan, iPhone users will have the option to configure the side button to activate an alternative AI assistant, like Gemini. Meanwhile, in Europe, Apple is finally implementing Live Translation while discontinuing automatic Wi-Fi sync from the iPhone to the Apple Watch when the phone is out of range.

    Apple is also making adjustments to certain applications, including Measure, Reminders, and iMessage for CarPlay, allowing users to disable pinned messages from their infotainment screens. It’s noteworthy that iPadOS 26.2 is reinstating the ability to drag and drop apps from the Dock, Spotlight, or App Library in Slide Over. In conjunction with the iOS 26.2 RC, Apple is also launching the Release Candidate versions of iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Pixel 10 Retains All-Time Low Price After Cyber Monday
    Google Pixel 10 Retains All-Time Low Price After Cyber Monday

    This Pixel 10 offer seems to have gone unnoticed by Amazon.

    (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

    The Black Friday and Cyber Monday events have passed, yet I’ve just spotted an outstanding Google Pixel 10 deal that shows no signs of ending. Secure the AI-driven flagship unlocked from Amazon right now and you’ll enjoy a fantastic 31% reduction in price. This brings the phone down to just $549, with no hidden conditions!

    To be fair, this Pixel 10 offer is not the only remaining deal from Amazon’s Cyber Monday promotions, but it’s certainly one of the most impressive. For some perspective, this sought-after Android device was priced at $599 during Black Friday, so right now you’re saving an additional $50 compared to its previous all-time low price. I’m unsure why Amazon chose to offer such a substantial discount after the year’s biggest sale, but I certainly won’t be complaining.

    <div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tYSoKyBQZUdtKAjEt7qn3U-

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android Unveils Alert Functionality for Launching Banking Applications During High-Risk Calls
    Android Unveils Alert Functionality for Launching Banking Applications During High-Risk Calls

    The functionality will alert users when they access financial applications during screen-sharing on calls with unfamiliar numbers.

    (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Google is introducing new anti-scam features in Android for users in the U.S.
    • Android now notifies users when they are sharing screens with unfamiliar numbers during financial application calls.
    • A 30-second warning is designed to disrupt scammer tactics and guard against the sharing of private banking information.
    Disclaimer

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Mint Mobile Launches Budget-Friendly 5G Home Internet Service: Is It Right for You?
    Mint Mobile Launches Budget-Friendly 5G Home Internet Service: Is It Right for You?

    Mint Mobile has launched its 5G home internet service named MINTernet, featuring plans that start at just $30 per month when combined with a Mint Mobile phone plan. This attractive pricing is a part of Mint’s approach to market 5G services in bulk, necessitating customers to pay $90 upfront for three months of service. Longer plans for six or twelve months are also on offer, providing additional savings.

    MINTernet utilizes T-Mobile’s vast 5G network, delivering download speeds generally between 133 to 415 Mbps and upload speeds reaching up to 55 Mbps. Subscribers receive a complimentary 5G Gateway modem along with a 14-day money-back guarantee upon enrollment. The service provides unlimited data, which is defined as 1TB per billing cycle before possible speed reductions.

    This service is perfect for individuals looking for an economical home internet option, especially current Mint Mobile customers or those considering making the switch. However, it might not be the best fit for those needing the fastest or most consistent internet speeds or those who prefer monthly payments. MINTernet presents a budget-friendly alternative to conventional fiber internet, particularly in regions with robust T-Mobile coverage.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate Now Accessible for Developers and Public Beta Test Participants
    macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate Now Accessible for Developers and Public Beta Test Participants

    ### macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate Now Accessible for Developers and Public Beta

    The macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate has been launched for developers and public beta users in advance of its official debut. This update mainly emphasizes bug resolutions and performance improvements, while also bringing a noteworthy new feature.

    #### New Edge Light Feature and Behind-the-Scenes Enhancements

    A key highlight in macOS Tahoe 26.2 is the **new Edge Light effect**, which provides a virtual ring light to boost the display quality of Mac computers. This function is designed to enhance the visual experience during video conferencing and content creation.

    Alongside the Edge Light effect, Apple is focusing on various behind-the-scenes enhancements. Importantly, a **low-latency feature** is being added to support the establishment of Thunderbolt 5-enabled Mac clusters. Additionally, the Reminders app will see the introduction of an “Urgent” option, akin to the one being deployed in iOS 26.2.

    Developers currently have access to the release build, labeled as version 25C56, and additional feedback from beta testing will be provided as it becomes available.

    #### How to Install the New Developer Beta

    For developers aiming to install the macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta RC, follow these steps:

    1. [Backup](https://9to5mac.com/2023/03/31/how-to-backup-iphone-ipad-mac/) your Mac.
    2. Open **System Settings**.
    3. Proceed to **General** ⇾ **Software Update**.
    4. Click the ‘i’ icon located next to **Beta Updates**.
    5. From the dropdown menu in the top-right corner, choose **macOS Developer Tahoe Beta**.
    6. Press ‘Done’.

    #### How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.2 Public Beta

    To install the public beta, you must first enroll in Apple’s public beta program at [Apple Beta Software Program](https://beta.apple.com/). After enrolling, proceed with the following steps:

    1. Open **System Settings**.
    2. Navigate to **General** ⇾ **Software Update**.
    3. Click the ‘i’ icon next to **Beta Updates**.
    4. From the dropdown menu in the top-right corner, select **macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta**.
    5. Press ‘Done’.

    Users are encouraged to report any significant changes or features they find in the beta version in the comments section.

    #### Accessory Deals on Amazon

    *FTC: We utilize revenue-generating auto affiliate links.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Recognizing Indicators of a Faulty USB Port
    Recognizing Indicators of a Faulty USB Port

    An image showing someone connecting a flash drive to a USB port.

    Brianajackson/Getty Images

    Typically, a USB port doesn’t just fail suddenly; it tends to show subtle warning signals well in advance of a complete shutdown. One of the initial indicators to spot is erratic connectivity. If a cable only operates when held at a specific angle — or the connection falters with the slightest movement — the internal pins of the port may be misaligned, or the casing might be loose. Another indication of a problem is slow or inconsistent data transfers. As a port starts to degrade, file transfers could pause, or take significantly longer than usual, even with a reliable cable and device.

    Performing a physical inspection of your USB port can lead to significant findings. Use a bright light to examine the port for bent pins, grime, or discoloration. Any noticeable damage, particularly pins that are pressed inward or misaligned, generally suggests that the port requires repair. A port that seems unusually loose or unstable when inserting something is another frequent sign of wear, especially on laptops where ports endure more regular strain.

    Charging problems are also a significant indicator. If your phone, mouse, or headset charges sporadically or not at all when connected to a particular port, the issue might be related to battery or device malfunction, or an issue with the cable. At times, Windows or macOS might even display alerts regarding USB power consumption or defective devices.

    Should you observe multiple symptoms, the best course of action is to refrain from using the port until you can properly diagnose or fix it. Continuing to force a connection may aggravate the damage and could potentially harm your accessories.

    What to do if your USB port is damaged

    <img class="gallery-image

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Spotify Wrapped 2025 Unveils Customized Vibe Club Allocations
    Spotify Wrapped 2025 Unveils Customized Vibe Club Allocations

    Are you the trendsetter in your neighborhood?

    (Image credit: Shruti Shekar/ Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Spotify Wrapped 2025 reveals fresh features such as listening age and favorite albums for a tailored music journey.
    • AI upgrades enable users to delve into memorable streaming days and nostalgic listening patterns.
    • The new ‘Spotify Club’ links users with shared musical interests through engaging community interactions.

    Notice

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