Author: sparta

Report: Tony Fadell, Co-Inventor of iPod, Surfaces as Possible Contender for Apple CEO Role

### New Report Provides Insight into Potential Successors for Apple CEO

As discussions heat up regarding Tim Cook’s future retirement from his position as CEO of Apple, a new report explores possible successors, spotlighting various candidates and the underlying dynamics within the organization. The report, written by Aaron Tilley and Wayne Ma for *The Information*, examines the ramifications of recent changes in leadership at Apple, including the exits of key executives such as John Giannandrea, Alan Dye, Lisa Jackson, and Katherine Adams.

#### The Succession Scenario

The changes in Apple’s executive team have sparked intensified conversations about Cook’s future. Among the mentioned candidates, one particularly notable figure is Tony Fadell, a previous Apple hardware executive and co-creator of the iPod. As per sources, Fadell has shown interest in the CEO role, suggesting he would consider a return to Apple. Nonetheless, views on his candidacy vary, with some insiders considering him a divisive figure due to his earlier time at the company, which concluded in 2010.

Fadell’s advocates argue that his entrepreneurial drive and background—especially as the co-founder of Nest, sold to Google for $3.2 billion—could introduce a refreshing approach to Apple. They assert that a shift in leadership could be advantageous for the company, particularly from someone with a strong vision for products.

#### Other Possible Contenders

While Fadell’s name stands out, the report also identifies John Ternus, Apple’s current hardware lead, as a leading candidate for the CEO position. However, there are doubts regarding Ternus’s preparedness for such a prominent role, leading some to contemplate that an announcement about succession may not be on the immediate horizon.

#### Reactions from the Industry

The speculation regarding Apple’s leadership change mirrors broader apprehensions about the company’s trajectory amidst considerable executive departures. Analysts and industry watchers are closely monitoring who will ultimately take over for Cook, especially considering the hurdles Apple faces in preserving its innovative prowess.

Despite the excitement, some commentators, including those from 9to5Mac, voice skepticism regarding the thoroughness of the report’s findings. They highlight that much of the speculation surrounding Fadell is anchored in informal conversations rather than solid proof from within Apple, making it challenging to evaluate the practicality of his candidacy.

### Conclusion

As Apple traverses a period of considerable transformation, dialogue about its forthcoming CEO is likely to heat up. The possible return of Tony Fadell introduces an intriguing element to the story, but until more concrete information surfaces, the company’s future leadership remains ambiguous. The tech community will be attentive as events develop in the upcoming months.

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Upcoming ChatGPT Update Anticipated Following ‘Code Red’ Announcement

**OpenAI’s Reaction to Google’s Gemini: Anticipating the GPT-5.2 Update**

In a swiftly changing environment of generative AI, OpenAI has recently positioned itself as a competitor following the debut of Google’s Gemini generative AI model. Reports suggest that OpenAI has issued a “code red” in reaction to this rivalry, leading to an expedited schedule for the launch of its next significant update, GPT-5.2.

### Overview of OpenAI’s Model Enhancements

OpenAI’s progress with its generative AI models has experienced notable growth over the last few months. The company introduced GPT-5 on August 7, 2025, featuring enhancements that optimized user experience by efficiently directing queries to different sub-models, facilitating quicker responses or more detailed answers. Merely three months following that, on November 12, OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.1, characterized as a “warmer, more intelligent” version.

### Expectation for GPT-5.2

The forthcoming GPT-5.2 update is anticipated to be released on December 9, 2025, merely a week away. Sources acquainted with OpenAI’s intentions indicate that this update is crafted to directly address the capabilities presented by Google’s Gemini 3, which has received notable attention for its remarkable performance and accolades from industry figures, including Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

### Emphasis of the Update

According to sources, GPT-5.2 will emphasize enhancements in “speed, reliability, and customizability” instead of launching numerous new features. This targeted approach aims to bridge the performance divide that Gemini 3 has established within the competitive AI arena.

### Latest Features and Enhancements

Alongside the impending update, OpenAI has been proactive in refining its current model. Recent features encompass the introduction of group ChatGPT sessions and the integration of text and voice modes, allowing users to transition effortlessly between varied interaction styles. These advancements illustrate OpenAI’s dedication to continuously adapting its offerings to fulfill user requirements.

### Final Thoughts

As OpenAI gears up to unveil GPT-5.2, the AI community is keenly observing how this update will compare against Google’s Gemini 3. With an emphasis on boosting speed, reliability, and customizability, OpenAI strives to strengthen its foothold in the generative AI domain and effectively address the challenges posed by its rivals.

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iPhone 17’s Cheapest Variant Encounters Shortage, Surpassing Pro Max in Popularity

**iPhone 17 Out of Stock: Most Affordable Model Now Scarcer Than Pro Max**

As we enter the first week of December, an unprecedented event in iPhone history is unfolding. The iPhone 17 remains sold out across the U.S. and several critical international markets, particularly the standard iPhone 17 model. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is now more accessible than the standard iPhone 17 in various regions, including the U.S. This is atypical for Apple’s latest iPhones, where typically the Pro and Pro Max versions are the first to sell out and most likely to face inventory issues during the December quarter.

This year, the base iPhone 17 marks a significant triumph for Apple. As highlighted below, customers are facing delivery wait times of three to seven business days for the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in several markets, although select storage configurations might be out of stock. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air do not show any shortages in the markets we surveyed on Friday.

BGR has been monitoring iPhone 17 delivery schedules since the preorder phase commenced. Each Friday, barring Black Friday, we have provided the shipping estimates for the four new iPhone models based on insights gathered from Apple’s online stores in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, China, and Japan. The method is consistent across all markets. We replicate the process of placing an order on Apple’s online store for each of the four iPhone models. We assess all color and storage configurations for each variant, and Apple’s system generates a shipping estimate.

**Availability Improves for All iPhone 17 Variants**

The stock information from this week indicates that Apple has been addressing iPhone 17 demand. Shipping projections for the iPhone 17 Pro Max have shown improvement since two weeks ago. Even in the U.S., the 256GB, 512GB, and 2TB versions are readily available. Notably, the 1TB model is experiencing a wait time of 3-5 days in North America, increasing to 7-10 days in China. The figures below illustrate the varying shipping estimates visible on Apple.com according to the iPhone 17 Pro Max storage choice made.

For the base iPhone 17, shipping estimates have enhanced in North America and China, yet stock limitations have resurfaced in other regions. Currently, both storage configurations (256GB and 512GB) in all five color selections are sold out in the markets we monitor. Shipping timelines are 3-5 business days for Europe and Asia and 5-7 business days for North America. Interestingly, the iPhone 17 is once again sold out in Japan, a market where the device was available two weeks prior:

– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 3-5 business days (U.S. – 1TB model Canada – 1TB/2TB model), 3-5 to 7-10 business days (China – 1TB model) in stock (U.S.*, Canada*, U.K., France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, China*, Japan)
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: in stock (U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Japan)
– **iPhone 17**: 3-5 business days (U.K., France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, China, Japan), 5-7 business days (U.S., Canada)
– **iPhone Air**: in stock (U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, China, Japan)

An IDC report released earlier this week highlighted that the iPhone 17 series will contribute to a record quarter and year for Apple. Additionally, the iPhone 17 has supported the overall smartphone market in surpassing growth anticipations. Our assessments indicate that demand for the iPhone 17 continues to be robust in December.

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Five Intelligent Home Upgrades for Instant Comfort Enhancement

essential smart home devices and accessories. In this article, we will present a few suggestions for minor smart home enhancements that can significantly improve your day-to-day comfort. We have discovered some reasonably priced gadgets that you’ll enjoy using regularly. They are supported by excellent user feedback, ensuring you’re making a reliable purchase.

We have concentrated on prevalent issues to compile a list of items you may not have considered before. For example, a wall charger featuring built-in retractable cords for your iPhone, a humidifier that also functions as an essential oil diffuser, and motion-sensing lights that facilitate navigation around your home at night. Continue reading the article below for additional information on these and other minor smart home enhancements that will enhance your comfort in your space.

4 in 1 Retractable Wall Charger

A majority of us rely heavily on our phones and other gadgets throughout the day. An efficient method to charge them can make life considerably more pleasant, which is exactly why you need this wall charger with retractable cords. It includes integrated Lightning and USB-C type cables that you can effortlessly extend and connect to your phone. Once finished, the cables retract neatly back into the wall charger to avoid a mess of cords in your living area. It offers up to 40W fast charging capability for the latest iPhones, iPads, and even laptops.

Additionally, it features a USB and USB-C port, allowing you to plug in your own cables as necessary. This means you can charge up to 4 devices at once. Priced at $29.99, this wall charger is

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8 Sentimental Tech Noises That Remind Us of the Golden Era

**8 Neglected Tech Noises That Will Bring The Nostalgic Days Flooding Back**

Technology has made significant strides and continues to evolve at an unmatched pace as we consistently reach new milestones. Regrettably, alongside these innovations, the tech graveyard has been accumulating more and more each year, and over time, we’ve lost much of our familiarity with how things functioned — and sounded.

Though we’ve packed incredible power into contemporary hardware, the digital age still appears rather sterile, particularly since it has become almost silent. In contrast, devices from previous generations vocally expressed each task through intricate mechanisms that created unique movements and sounds, allowing us to admire the marvels of engineering within their designs.

Even if these sounds are no longer heard, memories of bygone eras will always remain, and occasionally encountering these noises again stirs nostalgia, transporting you back to more uncomplicated times. Accordingly, we’ve put together a collection of neglected tech sounds that will bring the nostalgic days flooding back.

**PlayStation 2 Intro Sound**

The PlayStation 2 is seen by many as the pinnacle of gaming consoles, and it’s likely the first entry point into the gaming universe for countless players. A core aspect of the PlayStation 2 experience was its startup screen. The introductory sound combined piano tones and bell sounds, followed by a swoosh effect against a backdrop of virtual boxes and three colored lights dancing. It was almost as if this soothing mix of various sounds was narrating a tale.

As a hidden surprise, those virtual boxes transformed into towers, illustrating the amount of time you’ve invested in booting each game. However, if the startup took too long, it served as a warning of potential issues with the console’s ability to read the inserted disc. In such cases, you were met with a red screen of death, which was quite shocking compared to the calming, futuristic intro. The intro sound still sends chills down your spine and reminds us of what the initial true next-gen gaming experience was like.

**Static Sound from Vintage Speakers During Incoming Calls**

While contemporary setups have largely transitioned to headphone configurations, desktops in the early 2000s and earlier predominantly relied on external speakers for audio output. These speakers also produced a static or crackling noise when an incoming phone call occurred. In those times, this was quite common, and some even relied on this sound as a warning that their phone was about to ring.

The true cause of this disturbance was electromagnetic interference (EMI), originating from consumer electronics (including your phone). The EMI generated by 2G networks interrupted the speakers’ amplifiers, causing that static hiss. With the rise of 5G as the new standard and the phasing out of 4G, mobile networks now function at much higher frequencies, resulting in considerably less interference with speakers, which are now better shielded against such disruptions. As annoying as it used to be, alas, we won’t experience this distortion again, and a mere echo of this sound is a reminder of the past.

**CRT TV Whine**

CRT monitors were the norm for decades before rapidly becoming obsolete as flat screens started to take over in the late 2000s. They might fall under the category of devices you’d regret disposing of, as they still have value in certain niche markets. A notable characteristic of these monitors was their emission of a high-pitched whine around 15 kHz, a frequency that is challenging for individuals over 40 to detect. The sound was exceedingly bothersome and would even continue after the sets were turned off, creating a tinnitus-like effect. Hearing this electronic whine takes us back to the past and tells the story of how far technology has advanced.

In addition to creating such noise, CRT TVs had another quirky trait. They used phosphor displays, and there was no way to determine whether they were on or off, since a display would take a few moments to turn on. Thus, this whining sound was a useful indicator of whether the device was powered on or off.

As for the high-pitched sound, CRTs utilize a flyback transformer to energize the electron gun, and at such high voltages, the coil can vibrate rapidly, producing high-frequency noises. Display technologies like OLED, LCD, and QLED are now commonplace, employing a backlight to illuminate the screen, so that whine is not heard anymore.

**Windows XP Startup Sound**

Windows XP marked a transformation of the concept of operating systems, with Microsoft focusing on enhancing user-friendliness through a comprehensive visual and audio redesign. With the tech giant striving for a polished experience, it required an ideal intro sound to greet users. Bill Brown, a renowned composer for video games, films, and television, was brought on for the task, using orchestral recordings to create the brief four-second intro. The result

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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.

**Podcast Accessibility**

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

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications

**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.

**Subscription Advantages**

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

– Ad-free editions of each episode
– Access to exclusive content

Subscribing not only backs the podcast but also ensures you get the finest content without distractions.

**Engagement and Input**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback. You can contact via email at

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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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