Author: sparta

Evaluation of Google Pixel Watch 4: Improved Sophistication and Enhanced Smart Features

with the Pixel Watch 4, Google is integrating Gemini into the equation, substituting the Google Assistant with something that is smarter and more advanced.

The Pixel Watch 4 does not completely overhaul the design. It retains successful elements from Google’s offerings over recent years while incorporating significant enhancements such as a new processor, enhanced GPS, and that Gemini integration. The outcome is a smartwatch that appears sophisticated and polished, rather than experimental. But is this upgrade substantial enough to warrant a purchase, especially if you already own a Pixel Watch 3? I have been testing the Pixel Watch 4 to determine this.

Design

Xiaomi’s Tri-Fold Phone Unveils Amid Samsung’s Highlight Week

*Insert The Rock’s iconic raised eyebrow meme*

(Image credit: Lei Jun/ X)

Essential Information

  • Rumors suggest Xiaomi is developing a trifold device for 2024, and it has seemingly emerged in a GSMA database after some time of quiet.
  • Based on a model number, speculation indicates the device might be named “Mix Trifold” with a projected release around late 2026.
  • Previous rumors noted a patent in China, displaying preliminary designs of the phone featuring the Mix Fold 3’s horizontal camera layout.

Notice

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Samsung to Organize ‘The First Look’ Gathering for 2026 Mobile and AI Breakthroughs

Samsung is preparing for a major event just ahead of CES 2026, called “The First Look.” Set for January 4, 2026, at 7 PM PST (10 PM EST), the gathering will take place at the Latour Ballroom within the opulent Wynn Las Vegas hotel. This occasion will act as a precursor to CES 2026, providing a sneak peek into Samsung’s strategies for its Device eXperience and AI-enhanced customer interactions for the upcoming year.

TM Roh, Samsung’s CEO and Head of Device eXperience Division, will present the keynote address, accompanied by SW Yong, President and Head of the Visual Display Business, and Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances. Although specific information is still confidential, Samsung has suggested the reveal of its 2026 roadmap for Device eXperience and innovative AI-based customer experiences.

The event will be broadcast live on Samsung’s YouTube channel, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung TV Plus. There are speculations regarding possible announcements concerning the Exynos 2600 chip, which is believed to provide notable performance enhancements, and possibly previews of the Galaxy S26 series, though its launch is projected for February. Advancements in AI, especially regarding Galaxy AI and Bixby, are also expected to be highlighted.

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Pixel 10 December Update Allegedly Interferes with Always-On Display Feature

The December update for Pixel smartphones has rolled out multiple improvements, featuring AI-enhanced notifications, lock screen widgets, and new customizable icon shapes. Nevertheless, users of Pixel 10 are facing an unexpected problem with the always-on display (AoD) flickering. This issue occurs during wireless charging when the clock refreshes, and sometimes after the device is unlocked. The flickering appears to be specific to Pixel 10 models, with no similar feedback from owners of older Pixel versions.

Reports on Reddit suggest that the flicker is evident when the screensaver activates during wireless charging and when the clock refreshes in AoD mode. Furthermore, some users have noted the screen turning entirely black for a moment after unlocking their phone. Although not all Pixel 10 devices exhibit the issue, a considerable number of users are impacted.

At present, the only solution for those affected is to turn off the always-on display feature. This can be accomplished by going to Settings > Display & touch > Always-on display and switching it off. This isn’t the first display problem encountered by Pixel 10 users; a prior issue involving the screen turning black during transitions was patched by Google in a later update.

As of now, Google has not officially responded to the AoD flicker issue, but if it is found to be widespread, a hotfix could be issued shortly. Users are recommended to remain alert for future updates concerning a possible resolution.

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Two Additional Executives Leave During Continued Surge of Apple Departures

impending exit of two veteran executives, Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams. Jackson is presently the company’s VP of Environmental, Policy, and Social Initiatives. She initially became part of Apple in May 2013 and has recently become a recognizable figure in Apple’s self-produced videos that showcase its various environmental accomplishments. On the other hand, Kate Adams has served as Apple’s general counsel since 2017 and plans to depart in March of the coming year. Her successor will be Jennifer Newstead.

“Kate has been a vital component of the company for nearly a decade, providing essential guidance while consistently championing our customers’ right to privacy and safeguarding Apple’s ability to innovate,” remarked Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press statement. Regarding Jackson, Cook praised that, under her environmental leadership, Apple succeeded in lowering its “global greenhouse emissions by more than 60% relative to 2015 figures.”

It is important to underscore that both Jackson and Adams are retiring rather than being ousted or leaving for positions at other firms. This distinction is critical, especially since Apple has experienced several notable corporate changes in recent months. The most significant news was yesterday’s announcement that Apple design executive Alan Dye will join Meta in 2026. Apple prides itself on exceptional design quality, and the departure of its lead user interface designer marks a substantial shift.

Nevertheless, the news of Apple losing its environmental leader and chief legal officer would generally not be remarkable on its own. However, considering the broader context of Apple executives and numerous top engineers departing in recent months, the overarching observation is that Apple is undergoing a considerable leadership transformation at a magnitude not witnessed in quite a while.

Apple’s ongoing talent exodus

The future will be robotic

JBL Earbuds Now 60% Discounted on Amazon After Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The JBL Tune Flex earbuds typically sell for $100. Currently, they are available for only $40.

(Image credit: Credit: JBL)

Although many of the best sales of the year are concluding this week, consumers can still discover fantastic earbud offers and more, if they know where to search. One option, for instance, is Amazon’s 60% discount on the JBL Tune Flex earbuds, which are an excellent and budget-friendly choice now costing under $40.

While they might not be the top wireless earbuds available, they still provide an attractive entry price for active noise cancellation, superior audio quality, and clear phone conversations. Customers also report that they find the fit pleasant without a silicone ear tip and with the AirPod-like stem design.

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Apple Reveals Exit of Two More Senior Executives

Apple’s executive transition continues as the company reveals the retirement of two significant leaders: Katherine Adams, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. The news was shared in a press release, indicating that Jackson will retire in late January 2026, with Adams following in late 2026.

Jennifer Newstead, an experienced attorney who has served as the legal adviser for the U.S. Department of State and most recently as Meta’s Chief Legal Officer, will step into the role of General Counsel at Apple on March 1, 2026.

Regarding organizational shifts, Lisa Jackson’s Government Affairs team will be reassigned to Katherine Adams, who will manage it until her retirement. Following Adams’ exit, Newstead will lead this team and take on the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Government Affairs. Meanwhile, the Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Sabih Khan.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, conveyed his appreciation for Adams’ contributions, emphasizing her commitment to customer privacy and strategic perspectives. He also recognized Jackson’s impact in lowering Apple’s global greenhouse emissions and her engagement with governments on various matters.

These retirements form part of a larger pattern of senior departures at Apple, which recently saw John Giannandrea, Senior Vice President for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, and Alan Dye, Vice President of Human Interface Design, leave. Other notable resignations include COO Jeff Williams and CFO Luca Maestri. There is speculation regarding Tim Cook’s future as CEO, with reports indicating he might resign as early as next year.

For further information, the complete announcement can be accessed on Apple’s official website.

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9to5Mac Daily: December 4, 2025 – Apple Design VP Leaves for Meta

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, being informed about the latest developments is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a dependable resource for daily summaries of the most important news within the Apple universe. The podcast can be accessed on numerous platforms, such as iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and through a specific RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast applications.

**Daily Episodes and Content**

Fresh episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday, guaranteeing that listeners receive prompt updates on the newest events in the tech sphere. The podcast addresses a variety of subjects, including product reveals, software upgrades, and industry movements, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about Apple products and services.

**Subscription Benefits**

Listeners have the option to subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily to obtain new episodes as soon as they are released. Additionally, those seeking a premium experience can subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which offers various perks, including ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material. This subscription approach not only backs the creators but also enhances the listening experience.

**Engagement and Feedback**

9to5Mac Daily fosters listener engagement. Followers are encouraged to express their opinions and comments via email, and they can also rate the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This feedback helps the team gain a better understanding of their audience and refine the content provided.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

The podcast frequently includes sponsorships and promotional offers, such as the recent Black Friday deals from Narwal, which provided substantial discounts on their product range. These promotions give listeners chances to discover new products at lower prices while supporting the podcast.

**Conclusion**

For anyone wanting to stay updated on Apple news, 9to5Mac Daily is an essential resource. With its succinct format, captivating content, and dedication to listener engagement, it distinguishes itself as a leading podcast in the tech arena. Whether you’re a casual user or a devoted Apple enthusiast, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily will ensure you stay informed in the continuously changing tech landscape.

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iPhone 17e Design Enhancements and Intel’s Contribution to Mac Chip Advancement

### Apple Product Speculations: iPhone 17e Design Modifications, Intel’s Involvement in Chip Manufacturing, and ChatGPT’s Incorporation with Apple Health

**Introduction**

In the continuously changing realm of technology, Apple persists in leading the way in innovation. This week, a number of captivating speculations have surfaced regarding forthcoming products and features, such as the awaited iPhone 17e, possible collaboration with Intel for chip manufacturing, and the incorporation of ChatGPT with Apple Health. Here’s a detailed look at these advancements.

#### iPhone 17e’s Two Design Modifications

Recent insights indicate that the iPhone 17e will incorporate two major design modifications. Initially set to replace the conventional notch with a Dynamic Island, the upcoming model will also showcase thinner bezels in comparison to its predecessor. This design evolution implies that the front of the iPhone 17e will closely mirror that of the base iPhone 17, appealing to cost-conscious consumers desiring modern aesthetics without the higher price point.

The design approach of the iPhone 17e demonstrates Apple’s continuous endeavor to diversify its product range while sustaining a balance of features across various models. With the base iPhone 17 reportedly performing well in sales, the launch of the iPhone 17e is unlikely to disrupt its market but may attract a new demographic of buyers searching for a more economical choice with appealing design aspects.

#### Intel May Begin Producing Apple’s M-Class Chips

In an unexpected twist, Apple might re-establish a partnership with Intel as a production associate for its M-class chips, specifically focusing on lower-end models such as the M7. This potential collaboration signifies a considerable change from Apple’s earlier dependency on Intel for chip manufacturing prior to the unveiling of its own silicon in 2020.

Teaming up with Intel could provide Apple with enhanced flexibility and diminish its reliance on TSMC, its current chip producer. By broadening its production options, Apple seeks to strengthen its negotiating leverage and guarantee a more reliable supply chain for its chip manufacturing requirements.

#### ChatGPT App Receiving Apple Health Integration

In a thrilling advancement for health and fitness aficionados, OpenAI is reportedly developing an integration of Apple Health with its ChatGPT app. A recent code leak unveiled intentions for this feature, which is anticipated to debut early next year. This integration will enable users to utilize ChatGPT for personalized health guidance based on their Apple Health data.

Though some users might have privacy and data security concerns, the integration will likely be voluntary, permitting individuals to decide whether to share their health details. This initiative resonates with Apple’s broader strategy to elevate user experience through AI-enhanced services, particularly as rivals venture into similar integrations.

**Conclusion**

As Apple continues to innovate and broaden its product capabilities, these speculations underscore the company’s strategic choices in design, manufacturing, and user integration. The expected iPhone 17e, possible partnership with Intel, and ChatGPT’s incorporation with Apple Health all indicate a future where Apple remains a pivotal force in the technology sphere. As these developments progress, both consumers and industry observers will be eager to see how they influence the market and user experience.

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