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Newly Discovered Evidence Indicates Jony Ive’s AI Hardware Device Hypothesis is Growing More Believable

When Jony Ive and Sam Altman hinted at their forthcoming AI hardware device, speculation surged regarding its design. While some believed it might be a wearable gadget, recent legal documents have verified that this is not the case. Both Ive and Altman have stated that the device won’t rival current smartphones, with Altman specifically dismissing smart glasses as a possibility.

The teaser video shared by the pair suggested a wholly new form of AI hardware, leading to multiple theories about its potential. Ming-Chi Kuo proposed the notion of a pendant, but this idea was deemed unlikely in light of the expectations created by the teaser.

Recent legal filings clearly indicate that the device is neither in-ear nor wearable. This clarification has redirected attention to other possibilities. One interesting suggestion is that the device might be a smart pen. Altman described it as unobtrusive and appropriate for resting on a desk or in a pocket, which aligns well with the features of a pen.

Smart pens are already available in the marketplace, capable of digitizing handwritten notes and capturing audio. However, an AI device shaped like a pen has yet to emerge. Such a device could potentially include a camera and microphone, enabling it to engage with its surroundings while remaining portable. This design might also allow for convenient docking on a desk, complementing current devices like a MacBook and iPhone.

With wearables off the table, the notion of a smart pen seems increasingly credible. It meets the criteria of being a third core device for users, while also aligning with Jony Ive’s well-known appreciation for elegant design. As speculation persists, the concept of a smart pen emerges as a strong contender for this groundbreaking AI hardware initiative.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Kagi’s Method for Improving Team Search Features

### Apple @ Work: Improving the Search Experience with Kagi

In the swiftly changing world of technology, the method we use to search for information has become vital, both on a personal and professional level. The latest episode of Apple @ Work features a compelling dialogue with Vlad Prelovac, founder and CEO of Kagi, who is changing the search experience designed for both home and workplace settings.

#### The Vision Behind Kagi

Kagi aims to transform how users engage with search engines. Prelovac highlights the necessity of crafting a user-centric internet, where searching is not merely about acquiring information but also about boosting productivity and satisfaction. Kagi seeks to tackle the economic motivations behind search, which frequently favor ad income over user experience.

#### Economic Incentives in Search

A central theme of the discussion is the financial framework that supports most current search engines. Conventional search platforms commonly depend on advertising revenue, which can result in a crowded and less pertinent search experience for users. Kagi intends to alter this model by providing a subscription-based approach that prioritizes user requirements and preferences, ensuring that the search results are better aligned with what users truly desire.

#### The Role of Large Language Models (LLMs)

The dialogue also explores the incorporation of large language models (LLMs) in enhancing search functions. These sophisticated AI systems can comprehend and handle natural language queries more efficiently, delivering users with more precise and contextually relevant results. Kagi utilizes these technologies to streamline its search algorithms, making the experience more fluid and intuitive.

#### User-Centric Approach

Prelovac’s vision for Kagi is anchored in a user-focused strategy. By concentrating on user needs and behaviors, Kagi aspires to deliver a search experience that is not only effective but also pleasurable. This approach is especially pertinent in a workplace environment, where time is critical, and the ability to swiftly locate relevant information can greatly influence productivity.

#### Conclusion

As organizations progressively depend on digital tools and assets, the significance of an efficient search experience is paramount. Kagi’s groundbreaking strategy, as highlighted in this episode of Apple @ Work, showcases the potential for a more user-centered search environment. By prioritizing user requirements and utilizing advanced technologies, Kagi is poised to reshape how individuals and organizations access and use information.

For further insights and to listen to the complete episode, visit

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WhatsApp Encounters Security Issues Resulting in Congressional Prohibition; iMessage Recommended as Option

**Congressional Staffers Confront WhatsApp Prohibition Amid Security Issues**

In a pivotal action, the Office of Cybersecurity has ordered Congressional staffers in the House of Representatives to stop using WhatsApp on government devices. This decision arises from apprehensions regarding the app’s security vulnerabilities, which are considered intolerable for official communications.

The directive, initially reported by Axios, emphasizes the continuous efforts to protect sensitive information within government functions. The Office of Cybersecurity has previously enforced comparable bans on other apps, including TikTok and various AI tools, highlighting an increasing focus on cybersecurity in governmental operations.

According to an email acquired by Axios, the Office of Cybersecurity provided several justifications for the prohibition. They voiced concerns regarding WhatsApp’s lack of clarity in data security, the absence of encryption for stored data, and the potential security threats tied to its utilization. The email clearly stated, “House staff are NOT permitted to download or retain the WhatsApp application on any House device, encompassing any mobile, desktop, or web browser versions of its products.” Staffers who presently have WhatsApp on their devices will be contacted for its uninstallation.

In place of WhatsApp, Congressional staffers are urged to use alternative communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime. These applications are regarded as more secure and compliant with requisite cybersecurity standards.

Interestingly, even though the House has enforced this ban, WhatsApp is still permitted for use by Senate staffers. This inconsistency has prompted inquiries about the uniformity of security evaluations across different branches of Congress. Meta, the parent entity of WhatsApp, has publicly contested the portrayal of the app’s security by the House Chief Administrative Officer. Andy Stone, a Meta representative, remarked, “We recognize that members and their teams frequently use WhatsApp and we anticipate facilitating that House members can officially utilize it like their Senate counterparts.”

The decision to prohibit WhatsApp is part of a wider trend within government sectors to enhance security protocols in light of progressing digital threats. Other applications, including TikTok and AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, have also encountered limitations due to similar apprehensions.

As the realm of digital communication continues to progress, the equilibrium between convenience and security remains a pivotal concern for government officials. The recent prohibition on WhatsApp serves as a reminder of the necessity to protect sensitive information in a progressively interconnected environment.

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“Reasons Your Upcoming USB-C Cable Ought to Feature an Integrated Display”

An uncomplicated LED display can significantly alleviate typical charging issues.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

At this point, nearly everyone using modern devices is familiar with USB-C. It is the standard — and mandated by legislation in regions like the EU — but not all USB-C cables are created equally. This is the reason your charger may require an upgrade, and a cable featuring a display might be exactly what you didn’t realize you were missing.

USB-C cables support a wide array of different specifications, including Thunderbolt, USB4/USB5, Power Delivery, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and many others. It can be challenging to keep everything straight, and utilizing the incorrect cable or power adapter could result in suboptimal charging speed or features. To maximize your device’s potential, you need the appropriate charging gear.

Three years ago, I purchased a USB-C cable with a display from an obscure brand, primarily thinking it was a gimmick. After all, I invested under $10 in it and had little faith it would perform as advertised. Fast forward to 2025, and the inexpensive cable I acquired with a display in 2022 continues to function, proving to be a transformative addition to my charging routine. Here’s why this cable altered my perspective, and why you too should consider acquiring one.

Budget-Friendly Chromebooks Ready Ahead of Prime Day

Amazon isn’t the sole destination for fantastic bargains on Chromebooks

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Prime Day 2025 is approaching quickly, making it an ideal moment to begin considering what you might want to acquire. Even though it occurs right in the midst of summer, Prime Day is also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year. And you know what that entails — Chromebook offers.

Nonetheless, Amazon isn’t the only venue for finding price cuts on some of the finest Chromebooks, as Best Buy typically features promotions at the same time. In fact, if you’re in search of a new Chromebook, there are already some excellent deals available, like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=ac-us-7710816890626729131&sharedId=ac-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray%2F6597397.p%3FskuId%3D6597397" data-url="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray/6597397.p?skuId=6597397" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio

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Vivo X200 FE Debuts as a Small-Scale Rival to OnePlus 13s

Vivo has introduced its newest smartphone, the X200 FE, which is poised for a worldwide launch. This compact flagship device is essentially a rebranded iteration of the Vivo S30 Pro mini, which was first released in China. The X200 FE is tailored for markets outside of China, presenting a combination of powerful features in an elegant design.

The highlight of the Vivo X200 FE is its formidable 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, which enables 90W fast charging, guaranteeing extended usage and rapid recharges. The smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus processor, delivering a smooth and effective user experience.

Photography lovers will enjoy the ZEISS-enhanced rear camera system, which consists of a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. For self-portraits, the device includes a 50MP ultrawide front camera, ensuring excellent image quality from both sides.

The X200 FE features a 6.31-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution, providing vivid visuals and fluid scrolling. Despite its compact dimensions, the smartphone is lightweight at 186 grams and measures merely 7.99mm in thickness, making it convenient to handle and transport.

Offered in eye-catching colors such as yellow, pink, and blue, along with timeless black and silver, the X200 FE presents a range of aesthetic options. It also features an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust protection, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Operating on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15, the smartphone comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, providing sufficient space for applications and media. While the Vivo X200 FE has been confirmed for the Taiwanese market, details regarding its global availability and pricing remain to be announced. In China, the Vivo S30 Pro mini is priced at RMB 3999 ($557), serving as a reference for prospective buyers.

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Pixel 10 Pro Fold Achieves Elevated Durability Score for Increased Assurance

Rumor has it that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may be the inaugural foldable device to feature an IP68 rating.

What you need to know:
– The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is said to become sleeker and more robust with genuine dust and water resistance.
– If the leaks prove accurate, this could mark the first flexible phone to achieve complete dustproofing and splash protection.
– There are indications that Google is redesigning the hinge to reduce some bezel bulk and accommodate a slightly larger outer display.

Recent leaks suggest a more streamlined appearance for Google’s upcoming foldable device, potentially named the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, it’s not just about reducing size—it’s also anticipated to receive a durability enhancement, promising improved protection against dust and water compared to the previous model or any other foldables in existence.

Building on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the next-generation variant might reach a significant achievement—an IP68 rating, according to a new report from Android Headlines. If this is accurate, it would be the first foldable to fully exclude dust and withstand splashes, which is a noteworthy accomplishment.

For those interested, IP ratings are explained as follows: the first digit indicates a device’s dustproof capability, while the second denotes its water resistance.

The hidden truth about foldables:
Most popular foldables to date—like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—only held an IPX8 rating, meaning they excel in water resistance but lack official dustproof status.

Currently, Samsung reigns supreme in the foldable durability arena, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasting IP48 ratings. However, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 targeting an IP68 rating set to release in July, Samsung may outpace Google, since the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to debut in August.

Durability is not the sole advancement in play. Google is also refining the hinge of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This adjustment is expected to lessen the bezel around it and create space for a marginally larger outer display (6.4 inches as opposed to 6.3). The outcome is a sleeker design that not only feels improved in your hand but also positions it competitively alongside Samsung’s Fold 7.

Google appears less focused on creating the thinnest foldable, yet the Pixel 10 Pro Fold should still be visibly slimmer than last year’s version, and tougher as well. Thus, even if it doesn’t set new records, it looks to be a significant advancement.

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Power Bank Featuring Retractable USB-C Cable Now on Sale Ahead of Prime Day

Baseus has unveiled a fresh innovation with its newest power bank, the Enercore Power Bank, featuring a built-in retractable USB-C cable. This 20,000mAh power bank charges at 67W and comes with a 2.3ft retractable cable, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need to carry extra cables. The power bank is listed at $59, but a discount reduces the price to $44 on Amazon with a coupon and code. The Enercore Power Bank showcases a unique blue hue and includes a display panel indicating the remaining battery charge. The retractable cable can be extended to four different lengths, allowing for flexibility and a tangle-free experience. It accommodates various power profiles for efficient charging across multiple devices. Additionally, the power bank features a standard USB-C port for charging extra devices. In summary, the Enercore Power Bank delivers a dependable and efficient charging solution, particularly at the promotional price.

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Court Records Uncover OpenAI’s AI Hardware Initiative in Collaboration with Jony Ive, Confirming It Is Not a Wearable Gadget

**OpenAI’s Legal Struggles and Upcoming Hardware Innovations: Perspectives from Recent Court Documents**

As OpenAI contends with a trademark lawsuit regarding its recently discontinued “io” branding, newly disclosed court documents offer an extraordinary glimpse into the operations of Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s hardware division. The lawsuit, brought forth by iyO, a startup backed by Google, argues that OpenAI’s branding closely resembles its own, leading to a deeper investigation of the company’s hardware aspirations.

### ‘Neither an in-ear device nor a wearable item’

Recent disclosures from *The Verge* and *Bloomberg* underline that the legal contention centers around OpenAI’s io Products, Inc. Internal communications reveal that OpenAI representatives, including Tang Tan, the Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple executive, interacted with iyO’s CEO, Jason Rugolo, to discuss iyO’s in-ear product innovations. However, these discussions reportedly did not generate positive feedback, with OpenAI’s team expressing disappointment following several product showcases.

Despite legal claims that OpenAI’s upcoming AI product is neither an in-ear nor a wearable device, the company has dedicated considerable resources to studying the headphone and audio device sectors. According to Tan’s court testimony, the design of the product, which Altman has described as portable and suitable for desk use, remains under development and is expected to be at least a year away from release.

### OpenAI’s Focus on In-ear Comfort

Although OpenAI asserts that its product will not be classified as an in-ear device, internal correspondence indicates a strong interest in iyO’s cutting-edge 3D ear-scanning technology. This technique enables the customization of earpieces to match individual users, which piqued the interest of Marwan Rammah, a former Apple engineer now associated with io. Rammah suggested acquiring a database of ear scans from iyO’s supplier to improve ergonomic design elements.

iyO has actively sought to transform OpenAI’s interest into a more significant partnership, with investment or acquisition proposals going as high as $200 million. However, Tan ultimately turned down these offers, signifying a deliberate choice to focus on independent development.

Evans Hankey, another ex-Apple executive spearheading design efforts at io, clarified in a court statement that there are no current plans for io to create custom-molded earpiece products, further separating the company from the in-ear device arena.

### Conclusion

The ongoing legal conflict and insights from court documents illuminate a complicated terrain for OpenAI’s hardware ventures. While the company contends that its future offerings will not align with conventional in-ear or wearable designs, its investigation into ergonomic technologies implies a sophisticated approach to product innovation. The industry is poised for further updates as OpenAI and Jony Ive’s team persist in honing their vision for groundbreaking AI-driven hardware solutions.

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U.S. House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices

Citing security issues, the chief administrative officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives today announced an order banning representatives and staff from utilizing WhatsApp on government-issued devices. This encompasses smartphones as well as laptop and desktop computers. Additionally, anyone with WhatsApp already installed on a device is required to remove it. Using web-based versions of the application is equally forbidden.

The CAO did not specify any particular security concerns, but indicated that the prohibition was due to a deficiency in transparency from WhatsApp regarding their privacy and security measures. For affected users seeking an alternative messaging service, the CAO suggested that impacted staff consider Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, or FaceTime.

In an internal email acquired by Axios, the CAO stated:

“The Office of Cybersecurity has classified WhatsApp as high-risk for users because of the lack of clarity in how it safeguards user data, the lack of encrypted stored data, and potential security threats associated with its use.”

Following the revelation by Axios, U.S. House chief administrative officer Catherine Szpindor provided the following statement to CNBC:

“Ensuring the security of the People’s House is our utmost priority, and we consistently monitor and evaluate potential cybersecurity threats that might jeopardize the data of House Members and staff.”

If any of this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In 2022, the CAO issued a comparable order prohibiting all House of Representatives devices from using TikTok due to various “security concerns.”

Predictably, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is not overly happy with the CAO’s latest directive. This is even more true given its notably ambiguous nature.

In response, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone took to X earlier today to express the company’s dissatisfaction with the order.

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