Author: sparta

New Features in watchOS 26.2 Launching Next Week

a relatively small update to watchOS 26.1, which merely resolved an issue with blood pressure measurement, Apple is introducing several new enhancements in watchOS 26.2. Some of the known enhancements include updates to sleep score categories and notification preferences. Previously, Apple labeled the top sleep score as “Excellent,” but it has now revised the terminology to “Very High.”

In addition, watchOS 26.2 will address a problem where the Music app does not proceed to the next track. It will also feature improved Safety Alerts to notify users about imminent dangers like floods, natural disasters, and other urgent situations, complete with detailed information such as maps of impacted regions and links to safety resources in the U.S. Naturally, the company continues to implement the usual “enhancements and bug fixes” that accompany every update.

Additional features of watchOS 26

9to5Mac Daily: December 5, 2025 – News on Apple Leadership Shifts and Changes

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying informed about the latest news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a seamless way to stay updated on the most important stories impacting Apple and its ecosystem. This daily podcast aims to provide succinct and informative summaries of the leading stories, making it a vital listen for anyone keen on Apple products and advancements.

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Listeners can find 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, ensuring you can tune in from anywhere. The podcast is accessible via:

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**Daily Episodes and Topics**

New installments of 9to5Mac Daily are produced every weekday, guaranteeing that listeners get the freshest updates swiftly. The podcast explores a diverse array of subjects, including product releases, software enhancements, and industry happenings, making it a thorough source for Apple-related data.

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For those aiming to elevate their listening experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus presents various perks:

– Ad-free editions of each episode
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Subscribing not only backs the podcast but also ensures you get the finest content without distractions.

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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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