Meta Acquires Two Principal Designers from Apple, Indicating Significant Progress in VR, Smart Glasses, and AI

Alan Dye and Billy Sorrentino have been essential figures in influencing Apple’s design realm over the last ten years. Their recent transition to Meta’s Reality Labs division signifies a major transformation in the design landscape of the tech industry. Both designers are poised to shape the forthcoming generation of wearable technology, such as VR and smart glasses, at Meta.

Alan Dye, who has directed Apple’s user interface team since 2015, will now lead design efforts for hardware, software, and AI integration at Meta. His vast experience at Apple encompasses managing the Vision OS user interface design and playing a key role in significant redesigns of Apple’s operating systems. Dye’s responsibilities at Meta will include modernizing consumer devices with artificial intelligence capabilities, starting December 31.

Billy Sorrentino, recognized for his contributions to Apple’s Vision OS design, Liquid Glass, and the iPhone camera, will be part of Meta’s leading design team. Sorrentino’s award-winning design proficiency will be instrumental in shaping Meta’s Horizon OS, which drives the Meta Quest headsets and upcoming VR devices.

Meta has encountered difficulties in crafting interfaces for its VR headsets and smart glasses, frequently undertaking UI revisions. With the combined expertise of Dye and Sorrentino in Vision OS, Meta intends to develop more cohesive and efficient user interfaces, potentially affecting future products like Meta’s minimalist headset anticipated in 2026.

This strategic hiring initiative by Meta highlights its dedication to progress in the fields of AI, wearables, and spatial computing, capitalizing on the skills of two of Apple’s most prominent designers.

Opera Launches Solution to Streamline AI Application Management

Opera has rolled out a fresh update for its Android application, presenting a consolidated search bar that improves AI accessibility. This enhancement enables users to effortlessly alternate between various search engines and AI models straight from the browser’s address bar. A significant feature is the “Ask AI” button, allowing users to engage with AI for different tasks such as translation or summarization by uploading files like images or PDFs. Users can also attach entire tabs to the Ask AI function, making it easier to pose immediate follow-up questions regarding the webpage content. Opera guarantees privacy by limiting AI access to only the context of the shared tab, without retrieving browsing history or other activities. This update is currently available on the Play Store, providing a streamlined experience for users who often utilize multiple AI applications.

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

The dark mode has also been launched.

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.

Thorough Leak Discloses Information About Samsung’s Anticipated One UI 8.5 Update

From the freshly designed Quick Settings panel to enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities, One UI 8.5 appears to be Samsung’s boldest update to date.

What you should know
– One UI 8.5 introduces significant UI modifications drawn from Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic and an overhauled Quick Settings panel.
– The upgrade incorporates new Galaxy AI features, including enhanced Photo Assist and a more intuitive Bixby that comprehends intricate commands.
– One UI 8.5 features enhancements such as quicker Quick Share functionality and automatically adjusting lock screen layouts for photographs.
– The initial beta will be released this month in specific regions, with a subsequent beta extending to India and Poland.

Samsung has been conducting internal tests on the One UI 8.5 software update for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets for some time, and while prior leaks have hinted at what’s coming, a recent leak has disclosed every feature included in the update.

Noted leaker @taruvats33 on X released the complete changelog for the One UI 8.5 update prior to the beta introduction for the Galaxy S25 series. While it’s already known that One UI 8.5 will incorporate new UI modifications inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26, along with a highly adaptable Quick Settings panel, the feature list reveals much beyond mere UI adjustments.

For instance, as part of the new Galaxy AI functionalities, users will be able to create AI images using various Photo Assist tools without the need to save each version. In addition, an upgraded Bixby is set to arrive on Galaxy devices with One UI 8.5, likely driven by Perplexity.

Among other new highlights in One UI 8.5 are expedited sharing capabilities with loved ones through advanced Quick Share, automatic adjustments to lock screen layouts so that the clock and widgets do not obscure key areas of your images, and much more.

The first One UI 8.5 beta is anticipated to be launched this month, with the initial stage confined to regions such as the US, UK, Korea, and Germany. An additional beta is expected to be released prior to the Galaxy S26 reveal and broaden its reach to India and Poland.

For now, you can review the comprehensive changelog for the One UI 8.5 update below:

Here’s the complete Samsung One UI 8.5 changelog

Galaxy AI
Continuous image generation
Continue creating without interruption. Photo Assist now enables you to produce AI images using various Photo assist features without needing to save every version. Once you’re finished, you can browse through your creations in your history and select your favorites.

Bixby
More intelligent device control
Communicate with Bixby in your own terms. Bixby is now improved at locating the settings or features you require, even if you don’t use precise commands or feature titles. Just express your needs and let Bixby handle the details.

Ask anything, anytime
Whether you seek a quick response or in-depth information, simply ask Bixby for immediate answers. No need to waste time on multiple searches or toggling between apps.

Conversation history
Reviewing previous interactions with Bixby is simpler than before. You can now access your conversation history from the side panel in the Bixby app.

Connectivity
Storage share
Access your files from anywhere. Files saved on other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs are available in the My Files app on your device. You can also access your phone’s files on different Samsung devices, including your TV.

Quickly connect to Smart View devices
Establish connections to your preferred displays more swiftly. You can now place a shortcut on your Home screen for instant mirroring of your phone’s display to a TV or additional display device.

Enhanced Auracast features
Listening to and sharing audio is now simpler with Auracast. Options for both broadcasting and receiving are now consolidated in the Audio broadcast menu under Settings.

Voice broadcasts
Transmit your voice to those nearby with Auracast. In addition to media audio, you can now broadcast your voice using your phone’s built-in microphone.

Battery and power
Revamped battery info
Get clearer insights into your battery usage. The redesigned Battery settings screen simplifies the process of checking remaining time, charging status, and daily consumption over the past week.

Improved Power saving
Utilize Power saving to extend your battery life without needing to recharge. Select Standard for moderate savings with adjustable limits, or opt for Maximum to disable all non-essential features, maximizing battery longevity.

Accessibility
Easily control Bluetooth hearing aids
Directly access settings for your Bluetooth hearing aids from the Accessibility shortcut. A pop-up will allow you to adjust your hearing program, toggle Ambient sound on or off, and more.

Control magnification with mouse or keyboard
Maintain visibility of magnified content with these new options. You can set the magnified area to follow the cursor as you type or shift focus using the keyboard. When using a mouse, you can make the magnified area move as you guide the pointer to the edge of the screen.

Reasons the POCO F8 Ultra Will Not Debut in India

POCO, a label recognized for its cost-effective smartphones, has established a reputation for products that deliver remarkable value for their price. Nevertheless, its newest flagship model, the F8 Ultra, will not be released in India, even though the nation serves as its largest market. This choice stems from POCO’s identity as a budget-friendly brand, complicating the sale of a device priced above $700 in India. Although the F8 Ultra receives accolades for its hardware and camera performance, POCO’s emphasis continues to be on affordable devices, which enjoy greater popularity in the Indian market. This approach diverges from other brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo, which have adeptly promoted high-end models in India to enhance their brand images. As global smartphone prices continue to escalate, this could have been a prime opportunity for POCO to launch its premium offerings in India, potentially enhancing its reputation and market footprint.

Google’s 2025 Search Insights Showcase Worldwide Impact of Gemini and Rampant Disorder

From Gemini to worldwide unrest, these are the trends that shaped Google Search this year.

What you should know

– AI took center stage in Google’s Year in Search 2025, with Gemini leading global searches and quirky U.S. trends such as “AI Barbie” and “AI Ghostface” demonstrating the mainstream acceptance of generative tools.
– Coverage of crises intensified, with Iran, LA wildfires, the U.S. shutdown, Hurricane Melissa, and the Kamchatka earthquake prompting a demand for continuous updates.
– Sports enthusiasts altered the rankings, elevating the FIFA Club World Cup globally and lifting the Seattle Mariners and OKC Thunder in the U.S.

Google’s Year in Search typically reflects what captivated our interest, but the 2025 list is particularly striking. It serves as a pressure gauge for everything from political tensions to emerging AI trends, alongside a relentless cycle of pop culture. Observing both the global and U.S. lists, certain trends emerge clearly: AI has integrated into daily life, politics dominated headlines, and entertainment continually surprised us in unforeseen ways.

Gemini topped the global leaderboard, illustrating how ingrained AI has become in everyday dialogue. DeepSeek, another significant AI model, also found its way into the global top 10.

In the U.S., curiosity manifested differently. Searches like “AI action figure,” “AI Barbie,” and “AI Ghostface” surged as users engaged with generative tools in more whimsical and unconventional manners.

One headline overshadowed all others

Yet, 2025 was not solely focused on new technology. There were also moments that astonished people globally. Searches for Charlie Kirk spiked worldwide, driven by more than just political motives. His assassination and death became the most-searched global news event and the primary news topic in the U.S., resulting in days of unwavering coverage and speculation.

Events such as the situation in Iran, the LA wildfires, the U.S. government shutdown, and the election of Pope Leo XIV kept people searching for updates. Natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa and the Kamchatka earthquake also resulted in an uptick in crisis-related searches.

Entertainment captured significant attention as well. Globally, Anora and Superman were the most-searched films, while in the U.S., KPop Demon Hunters led the charts.

Pop culture preferences are polarized

In television, Monster: The Ed Gein Story emerged as the most popular show worldwide, whereas The Hunting Wives took the lead in the U.S. If it appeared that Taylor Swift was putting out something new every month, you’d be correct. She dominated global lyric searches and comprised half of the U.S. top 10 songs list.

Sports fans were also engaged. The FIFA Club World Cup stood as the most-searched sporting event worldwide. In the U.S., fans propelled the Seattle Mariners and Oklahoma City Thunder to the top rankings. Terence Crawford, Shedeur Sanders, and Rory McIlroy were among the most-searched athletes globally, reflecting a shift in sports interests this year.

The internet’s affinity for rabbit holes manifested in some unconventional trends as well. There were surges in “Holy airball” memes and recipe searches for hot honey cottage cheese beef bowls and dumpling bakes. Travel searches mirrored broader changes: globally, Kyoto Station and Kew Gardens were popular on Google Maps, while Americans planned trips to Boston, Seattle, and Tokyo.

If anything, 2025 revealed that our searches mirror what we care about, what troubles us, and what we wish to explore next.