Author: sparta

AirTag Accessory Extends Battery Duration to More Than 5 Years

### TimeCapsule for AirTag Now Offered in More Compact Size

A standout recent release in the accessory market is Elevation Lab’s TimeCapsule for AirTag, which greatly prolongs the battery life of Apple’s AirTag. Initially, the TimeCapsule boasted an impressive battery duration of 10 years, but the company has recently launched a more compact version that provides 5 years of battery life while offering a smaller profile.

#### The Dilemma of AirTag Battery Duration

While Apple’s AirTag is groundbreaking, it does have a limitation: its battery lifespan. With a typical usage period of around a year, managing several AirTags can turn into a hassle, especially when low battery alerts start accumulating. This concern for users fueled the creation of the TimeCapsule accessory, which received positive feedback for its prolonged battery life.

#### Sleek Design with Prolonged Battery Life

The updated TimeCapsule version tackles the size concern of its predecessor. Although the original TimeCapsule was effective, its size made it less ideal for scenarios where space is restricted. The recently introduced 5-year battery case is crafted to be sleeker, with dimensions of 2.6 inches by 1.6 inches by 0.8 inches, in contrast to the 10-year model’s measurements of 4.45 inches by 1.57 inches by 0.75 inches.

This new accessory functions with two AAA batteries, with Elevation Lab suggesting the use of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for the best results. Users just need to insert their AirTag into the case, add the batteries, and experience extended battery life without frequent changes.

#### Extra Features

The small TimeCapsule case is not only functional but also comes with a waterproof design, ensuring it can endure various environmental conditions. Notably, the case does not reveal that it contains an AirTag, offering a discreet option for tracking belongings.

#### Availability

The new TimeCapsule AirTag 5-year battery case can be purchased in both single and multipack selections, catering to diverse user preferences.

#### Conclusion

The launch of the compact TimeCapsule for AirTag marks a significant improvement in accessory design for Apple’s tracking device. By addressing concerns related to battery life and size, Elevation Lab has offered users a practical solution that boosts the capability of AirTags. Whether a seasoned user of the TimeCapsule or exploring it for the first time, this new model provides an attractive choice for anyone aiming to streamline their tracking experience.

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Design

Apple Unveils the Victors of the 2025 App Store Awards

### Apple Unveils Recipients of the 2025 App Store Awards

Apple has officially unveiled the recipients of the 2025 App Store Awards, honoring 17 applications and games for their “technical brilliance and enduring cultural significance.” This year’s accolades underscore the remarkable innovation, user engagement, and design exhibited by the chosen recipients, selected by App Store Editors.

Apple CEO Tim Cook conveyed his appreciation for the ingenuity of developers, stating, “Each year, we’re motivated by the ways developers translate their best concepts into pioneering experiences that enhance people’s lives. This year’s recipients embody the creativity and quality that characterize the App Store, showcasing the substantial influence that top-tier applications and games have on individuals globally.”

#### Recipients in the Apps Division

The recipients in the “Apps” division for each of Apple’s product lines are as follows:

– **iPhone App of the Year**: [Tiimo](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tiimo-ai-planner-to-do/id1480220328) by tiimo.
– **iPad App of the Year**: [Detail](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/detail-ai-video-editor/id1673518618) by Detail Technologies B.V.
– **Mac App of the Year**: [Essayist](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/essayist-academic-writing-app/id1537845384) by Essayist Software Inc.
– **Apple Vision Pro App of the Year**: [Explore POV](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/explore-pov/id6479555991) by James Hustler.
– **Apple Watch App of the Year**: [Strava](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strava-run-bike-walk/id426826309) by Strava, Inc.
– **Apple TV App of the Year**: [HBO Max](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hbo-max-stream-movies-tv/id1666653815) by WarnerMedia Global Digital Services, LLC.

#### Prize-Winning Games

Along with the applications, Apple also acknowledged six Cultural Impact recipients, chosen for their capacity to instigate significant change:

– **[Art of Fauna](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/art-of-fauna-cozy-puzzles/id1630468596)** by Klemens Strasser: This app converts wildlife illustrations into soothing puzzles, establishing a new benchmark for user-friendly game design.
– **[Chants of Sennaar](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chants-of-sennaar/id6566195667)** by Playdigious: Honors the significance of language through an engaging journey.
– **[despelote](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/despelote/id6747992743)** by Panic, Inc.: A heartfelt narrative that offers a view into a nation uniting through their passion for soccer.
– **[Be My Eyes](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-my-eyes/id905177575)** by Be My Eyes: Merges AI and worldwide volunteers to support individuals who are blind or have limited vision.
– **[Focus Friend](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/focus-friend-by-hank-green/id6742278016)** by Hank Green from B-Tech Consulting Group LLC: A gamified strategy to aid users in overcoming digital distractions.
– **

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Apple TV’s Long-Awaited Thriller Series Poised for Upcoming Premiere

**Tehran: Apple TV’s Exciting Espionage Series Makes a Comeback for Season 3**

Tehran, a highly praised thriller series by Apple TV, is gearing up for its third season, which will premiere on January 9, 2026. This update follows a lengthy wait attributed to various setbacks, including the repercussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict on its release timeline. Since its inception, the series has attracted a loyal audience and received critical recognition, heightening the excitement surrounding the new season.

**Overview of Tehran**

Tehran is an espionage thriller that chronicles the journey of Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan, portrayed by Niv Sultan. The plot centers on her perilous undercover operation in Tehran, jeopardizing not only her life but also the safety of those near her. The show skillfully intertwines themes of loyalty, treachery, and the intricacies of global espionage, making it a compelling watch for genre enthusiasts.

**Season 3 Details**

Season three of Tehran is set to offer additional suspense and complexity, introducing fresh twists in Tamar’s storyline. Hugh Laurie, celebrated for his performances in House and The Night Manager, joins the cast this season, enhancing the star caliber and richness of the series. The season will debut with an episode on January 9, followed by weekly installments, concluding on February 27, 2026.

**Production and Future Seasons**

Despite the postponements, Tehran’s production has progressed, with Apple TV announcing that a fourth season is already being developed. This assurance regarding the series points to its robust performance and popularity with audiences. The initial two seasons of Tehran are currently available for streaming on Apple TV, providing new viewers with the chance to catch up ahead of the eagerly awaited third season.

**Conclusion**

Tehran distinguishes itself as a remarkable addition to the sphere of international thrillers, merging gripping storytelling with profound character exploration. As fans look forward to the return of Tamar Rabinyan and her dangerous exploits, the series continues to reinforce its status as a must-see on Apple TV. With the guarantee of additional seasons ahead, Tehran is set to keep viewers engaged for years to come.

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NASA Unveils Fresh Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system, a cosmic rock first discovered by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile on July 1, 2025. At this point, 12 NASA cameras have captured imagery of 3I/ATLAS as it’s traversed our solar system, but a brand-new batch of NASA photos — taken between late September and mid-October — expand on that catalog with some of the clearest and most detailed looks at the comet so far.

The images were taken by NASA’s sun-observing PUNCH satellites, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission, and the Perseverance Rover on Mars. The photos mostly show 3I/ATLAS as an illuminated dot, but some also showcase the comet’s tail as a faint, elongated smudge. Non-U.S. cosmic cameras have taken photos of the comet, too, including the European Space Agency and Russia’s Federal Space Agency’s shared probe, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.

At this time, 3I/ATLAS isn’t visible to ground-based telescopes because of its proximity to the sun, but it’s expected to fly by Earth on December 19, at which point it should be viewable by the James Webb Space Telescope and ground tech like the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. Scientists and space enthusiasts are elated by comet 3I/ATLAS’s pilgrimage through the inner solar system. The only other confirmed objects to have visited from different areas of the galaxy were 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019 — the former of which helped NASA discover seven more dark comets.

Our solar system seldom gets interstellar visitors

3I/ATLAS’s emergence has stoked the extraterrestrial bonfire, with some folks thinking the comet could be a form of alien technology. But Nicky Fox, the associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, speaking to NBC, confirms that all observations thus far point toward nothing more than a rock in space. “We certainly haven’t seen any techno signatures or anything from it that would lead us to believe it was anything other than a comet.” Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t learn more about distant star systems from 3I/ATLAS, especially as it gets closer to Earth. “It could be from something that existed before our own solar system. That is so cool,” remarked Fox.

In the weeks ahead, scientists should be able to gather data on 3I/ATLAS’s chemical makeup, appearance, speed, and a potential place of origin. And if you’re wondering if comet 3I/ATLAS could be a threat to our planet, rest assured, the cosmic comet is expected to stay 170 million miles away as it flies by us.

Researchers have already speculated that comet 3I/ATLAS’s acceleration might not be caused by gravity, and we already know that 3I/ATLAS is rich in carbon dioxide. Here’s hoping we get to learn even more about this space-bound boulder when it rears its head again in mid-December.

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Apple Staff Share Enthusiasm Regarding Alan Dye’s Exit, Based on Gruber

**Alan Dye Leaves Apple: A New Era at Meta**

In a surprising development, Alan Dye, who has served as Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design since 2015, has declared his exit from the organization to head a new design studio at Meta. This information was initially disclosed by Bloomberg, with Apple affirming the shift via a statement from CEO Tim Cook. Steve Lemay, a seasoned designer boasting 26 years at Apple, will take over Dye’s responsibilities.

### Leadership Transition

Alan Dye’s time at Apple was defined by substantial input into the company’s design doctrine and user interface. His exit has elicited a variety of reactions within Apple, as highlighted by John Gruber in a recent entry on Daring Fireball. Gruber’s contacts suggest that while Dye had his proponents, many within the organization are optimistic about Lemay stepping up. Lemay is celebrated for his scrupulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, attributes that have garnered acclaim from his peers.

### Favorable Reception for Steve Lemay

Though relatively low in public visibility, Lemay is esteemed among his colleagues. Gruber’s observations show that while not every initiative Lemay has been involved in has garnered widespread acclaim, the prevailing feeling is one of enthusiasm regarding his elevation. Sources inside Apple have voiced their endorsement, indicating that Lemay is well-liked and respected, positioning him as a fitting leader for the design team.

### Internal Reactions

The internal response to Dye’s departure has been largely positive. Numerous employees had begun to lose faith that Dye would depart, and his sudden exit has been characterized as a source of relief. The prevailing opinion among staff is that Lemay’s leadership could initiate a new phase of design at Apple, potentially addressing various critiques that surfaced during Dye’s tenure.

### Developments at Meta

Dye’s transition to Meta is part of a broader shift; design deputy Billy Sorrentino is also leaving Apple to accompany him, along with additional members of Dye’s team. Mark Zuckerberg has publicly welcomed Dye to Meta, highlighting the new design studio’s objective to blend design, fashion, and technology to redefine Meta’s products and experiences.

### Conclusion

Alan Dye’s exit signifies a major change in Apple’s design leadership, with Steve Lemay stepping in at a crucial time. As the company navigates this shift, the design community and Apple supporters will closely observe how Lemay’s vision shapes the future of Apple’s user interfaces.

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Gemini Revamps Web Interface with Fresh Design and ‘My Stuff’ Folder Functionality

The dark mode has also been launched.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information to be aware of

  • The new design of Gemini’s webpage features a streamlined interface and a dark theme, enhancing the user experience
  • The introduction of the ‘My Stuff’ folder simplifies access to previously created content on Gemini’s platform
  • The update of Gemini’s interface follows the deployment of its latest AI models, enhancing multimodal capabilities

It appears that Gemini’s web page has undergone a redesign with more streamlined elements and a new dark theme, which began launching today (Dec. 3). Google aims to create a more cohesive UI experience for Gemini, which started with the Gemini app on Android and iOS earlier this month.

The web version of Gemini now showcases a contemporary homepage and a “My Stuff” folder on the left side for earlier generated content (as noted by 9to5 Google).

Google Messages Leak Suggests Enhanced SIM Transition Capabilities for RCS Coming Soon

This modification simplifies management slightly, although it likely isn’t as user-friendly as it could be.

(Image source: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is said to be developing an improved dual-SIM switch feature for Messages users.
  • A source indicates that the company is trialing a long-press “Switch SIM” button for those engaged in an RCS chat; however, using it still directs you to your profile’s details page for the change.
  • Google began introducing dual-SIM functionality in Messages for RCS chats around November last year, making it available to customers of T-Mobile, AT&T, and Visible.

Notice

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AI-Created Evidence More Frequently Utilized in Courtrooms: Present Perspectives

George R. R. Martin is taking legal action against ChatGPT for copyright violation. A novel concern regarding AI usage has emerged with its advent in legal settings.

A property disagreement escalated to the California judiciary in Mendones v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. A video was presented as purported witness evidence. Judge Victoria Kolakowski, however, sensed that something was awry with the footage. It was ultimately revealed that the video was a deepfake generated by AI. The term deepfake refers to AI-produced media that imitates an individual’s voice or likeness performing actions they did not actually undertake. In spite of the submitting party contending that it was the judge’s responsibility to demonstrate the video’s AI origin, the case was thrown out.

This incident has raised alarms within the legal framework as well as among citizens nationwide. While AI can be advantageous in legal proceedings, such as elucidating evidence or generating models for enhanced comprehension, it can also be employed for deceptive purposes. There are widespread fears that fabricated audio recordings, images, or videos could be used against individuals, and judges are apprehensive about AI deepfakes potentially leading to wrongful convictions.

Initiatives to tackle AI within the legal realm

Google Subtly Removes Overlooked Google Home Function

Reddit observed a few months back that the feature appeared to have disappeared from the app after recent updates. Recently, even more reports have been surfacing, with 9to5Google further confirming the removal of the feature by investigating the app.

Although the feature wasn’t particularly well recognized, it proved to be helpful. Some parents have mentioned that it was their main method of getting in touch with their kids at home, as it didn’t necessitate the presence of another device apart from their Google Home units. Some even utilized it to send out messages to their family across the house, simplifying the process of staying connected with everyone.

A persistent problem for Google users