Rolling out to all users this week, the new integration lets you ask the AI bot to turn lights on or off or control other smart devices.

Taking a look back at this weeks news and headlines from Apple, including iPhone 17 Air leaks, iPhone SE design, iPad Air specs, iOS defaults to Apple Intelligence, AirPods Pro hearing test for UK, Chinese iPhone sales, and Nokias reaction to the first iPhone.Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.Apple CEO Tim Cook stands next Sofia Leyva while she purchases Apples new iPhone 15 (Photo by Alexi ... [+] Rosenfeld/Getty Images)Getty ImagesA Bar For The iPhone 17 Air?Would Apple move towards Googles Pixel design and introduce a camera bar across the rear of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air? The slimline iPhone will need some accommodation for a larger camera lens. Will Tim Cook and his team stretch it across all of the rear?"Whats interesting about the image is it shows the rear of the device with an elongated camera module that stretches across almost its entire back surface. Theres a single camera lens on the left, a flash on the right, and a small microphone cutout on the right-hand edge."(Techradar).MORE FOR YOUiPhone SE Design RevealedWhile the iPhone SE design rarely matches the current top-line iPhones, they do bring several key features to the table. For the upcoming next-generation iPhone SE. The latest information suggests that one iconic feature will make the jump.[latest leaked images show[ the device has a Dynamic Island instead of a notch. So far, the Dynamic Island is available on the iPhone 14 Pro models, all four iPhone 15 models, and all four iPhone 16 mode(MacRumors).iPad Air Specs TeasedIn a not-unexpected move, Apples next iPad Airs have been tacitly confirmed as shipping with the Apple Silicons older M3 chipset. Noted Apple leaker Evan Blass has detailed the core specs:"There had been speculation that Apple might use the iPad Pro's M4 chip for the next iPad Air models instead, in a move away from chips manufactured with TSMC's expensive and lower-yield first-generation 3nm process, known as N3B. "(EvLeaks via MacRumors).Apple Intelligence Becomes The DefaultApple is switching the default mode of Apple Intelligence to on. The next wave of updates will see the generative AI suite active after setup. The option to switch it off will remain in the settings app, but may nto be highlighted during the inial onboarding proces."Beginning with the due-to-be-released macOS Sequoia version 15.3 as well as iOS and iPadOS 18.3, Cupertino's suite of AI features, which it calls Apple Intelligence, will be turned on by default for compatible devices."(The Register).Apple Prepares UK Hearing TestsWhile Apples Hearing Test feature is available to AirPods Pro 2 users in the US, the functionality is unavailable worldwide. Given the medical nature of the feature, regulator approval is required before it is turned on. Apple has confirmed that UK owners will be next to receive the utility:With the new policy guidance from the U.K. Department of Health and Social Care, we look forward to bringing the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the coming weeks to help improve the daily lives of so many U.K. users, Apple said. In other words, Apple will release an updated version of software for the U.K., likely in iOS 18 but possibly with new firmware for the AirPods Pro in cahoots."(Forbes).iPhone Sales Fall In ChinaCounterpoint Research has some disappointing news for Apple in the Chinese market. Last years first place with a 19 share has become third place behind the home-grown competition."iPhone shipments in China fell by 18.2% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2024. This decline resulted in a 17.1% market share for the company, placing it behind Huawei and Xiaomi, which captured 18.1% and 17.2% of the market, respectively."(MacRumors).And Finally...The Nokia Design Archive opened last week, and smartphone historians have been looking through records for the stories that started a revolution. Fahad X picks out just one; Nokias reaction to the launch of the iPhone:"Nokia impact minimal in terms of financials, but may impede US penetration or success. Distribution limitations may restrict impact of Apple iPhone, but device continues to have significant disruptive potential. Will pure touch input appeal to more mass market consumers?"(Fahad X).Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Dont forget to follow me so you dont miss any coverage in the future. Last weeks Apple Loop can be read here, or this weeks edition of Loops sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.

Taking a look back at this weeks news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy Unpacked details and reaction, Galaxy AI updated, Samsungs Galaxy S25 Edge surprise, Googles Unpacked updates, Oppos ultimate foldable, Google Pixel plans, Xiaomis Steam-powered tablet, and Qualcomms slower 8 Elite chipset.Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraEwan SpenceThe Galaxy Unpacked ImpactThis weeks Android news is dominated by Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked event, which saw updates to Galaxy AI, the debut of the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Utlra and a tease of the S25 Edge. From the press release:"The Galaxy S25 series has set a new standard of mobile AI innovation though an AI OS we built from the ground up, said TM Roh, President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, during his keynote address. Thanks to One UI 7 and its integrated AI agents, users can effortlessly enjoy a more personalized, intuitive and natural mobile experience than ever before.(Samsung Newsroom).MORE FOR YOUYet the reaction online has been muted. Forbes contributor Callum Booth heads out to explore the reaction:...handhelds are already so advanced and iterated, especially in a design sense, weve now reached an optimum phone shape and structure. On top of this, most of the elements that people use dailysuch as the cameras or screenare already excellent, so making noticeable improvements gets tougher every year."The only really outstanding bugbear for people is battery life, but thats limited by physical constraints, so unless the public are happy with huge phones, itll again be incremental improvements, rather than devices that last for weeks."(Forbes).Backing Up Your Galaxy AIAhead of the Galaxy Unpacked event, I sat down with Samsung executives Annika Bizon and Kadesh Beckford to talk about the new hardware, partnerships, and software driving Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25 family. They addressed a curious but important issue backing up the profile that Galaxy AI builds of you:"On the device, we have a brand new personal data engine, Beckford explains. "if you've lost your device and you have logged on to your Samsung account... it will then be reverted back onto your new device. The granular details will be like a carbon copy of the personal data engine has learned on your previous S25."(Forbes).Samsungs Final SurpriseAs the curtain came down on the launch of the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra, Samsung had one more thing. Beating Apple to the punch, it introduced a slimline S25, to be called the S25 Edge:"Samsung had units of the phone on show at Unpacked, though nobody was allowed to touch it. Several units stood side by side and showed a flat slab with the same rounded corners just introduced on the S25 Ultra."(Forbes).Google UnpackedAs part of Galaxy Unpacked, Google announced several Android updates that will debut on the Galasxy S25. AI updates are included, but theres more to version including updates to Gemini on Android, Circle To Search and improved accessibility features with LE audio:"For people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, weve brought LE audio features, the next generation of Bluetooth, to Galaxy S25 devices. This update enables hands-free calling, easy-to-use personalized audio adjustments and a low-latency connection to GN Hearing and Oticon Intent hearing aids when paired with a Galaxy S25 device using Android 15."(Googles Keyword Blog).Oppos Thinnest Foldable Knows Its LimitsWhen you want to make a thin device, there are certain things that get in the way of a war-thin profile. Oppos upcoming Find N5 has found such an issue. The USB-C port is as thin as the profile can go:"Oppo has been steadily teasing the Find N5 on Chinese social network Weibo for the past week. Find series product manager Zhou Yibao has now shared photos that highlight its size, adding that the obstacle to making it any thinner is now the limit of the charging port.(The Verge).Googles Pixel PlansWhile plans for the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 are in an advanced stage (including the new Tensor G5 for the Pixel 10 family), we have our first hints to 2026s Pixel 11. And they sound ferocious:"All Pixel phone generations have codenames themed after a unique animal species, and for the Pixel 11, Google decided to make them bear-themed Pixel 11 cubs or 4CS4; Pixel 11 Pro grizzly or CGY4. Pixel 11 Pro XL kodiak or PKK4; Pixel 11 Pro Fold yogi or 9YI4(Android Authority).Xiaomis Steam PlansXiaomi is working on a new gaming tool that should allow users to play Windows games on their hardware. Its currently targeted at tablets, and allows local play:"This tool uses three-layer virtualization technology to run Windows games in a virtual environment, and it can be found in the AI Treasure Box menu. Xiaomi noted in a FAQ that you can even install games from both the Steam and GOG storefronts."(Android Authority).And Finally...Qualcomm has released a variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It offers slightly less performance than the current models but looks to be tailored to allow efficient operation in flagship foldables, which have tighter thermal profiles:[Mishal] Rahman adds that the loss of one performance core should reduce excess heat generation. The change is said to result in around 2% lower scores in AnTuTu but a 7% drop in Geekbench multi-core performance. True performance differences will not be apparent until the SM8750-3-AB starts shipping later this year.(Notebook Check).Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Dont forget to follow me so you dont miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last weeks Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links youd like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!

On the eve of Saturday, Jan. 18, TikTok went dark in the U.S. in response to a federal ban, after the U.S. government raised concerns about the apps China-based owner ByteDance and the access it might have to U.S. data. But the social media platform restored service to its U.S. users the very next dayciting a promised executive order from President Donald Trump, who was then just one day away from his Inauguration Address. After being sworn in, Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law that requires a sale or ban of the platform, instructing the Attorney General to not enforce the law while he bides time for the app to be sold. As Trump gives ByteDance more time to find an appropriate buyer, many moguls and businesses have thrown their hats in the ring for a chance to purchase the social media platforma bid that could be as much as $50 billion, per an estimate by CFRA Research's Senior Vice President Angelo Zino.While ByteDance had initially been opposed to selling the apps U.S. operations, General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford (General Atlantic is a major investor in ByteDance), told Axios on Wednesday, Jan. 22, that a deal will get done because it's in everybody's interest."With discussions circulating about potential deals, heres what you need to know about the top contenders to buy and save TikTok in the U.S.Elon MuskElon Musk arrives for President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day in Washington, DC., on Jan. 20, 2025. Kenny HolstonGetty ImagesListed byForbes as the worlds richest person, Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk has found his name used widely among those discussing potential TikTok buyers.Trump said he would be comfortable with Muskwho he has entrusted to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) buying TikTok.When asked by reporters on Jan. 22 if he was open to Musk purchasing the app, Trump said: I would be if he wanted to buy it.In mid-January, before the short-lived TikTok ban went into effect, Bloomberg released a report that China was considering Musk as a buyer for the app.However, TikTok responded via a cool statement shared with several outlets: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction.Musk has posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his opposition to the bancalling it an exercise in censorship and government controlbut he has not publicly stated if he has plans to buy the app or if it was a consideration at any point. MrBeastMrBeast is seen in attendance during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 9, 2024, in Miami, Florida.Chris UngerGetty ImagesContent creator Jimmy Donaldson, known on the Internet as MrBeast, has made it clear he is interested in buying TikTok. Donaldson has the most subscribers of any user on YouTube over 340 millionand boasts over 113 million TikTok followers. On Jan. 13, Donaldson began discussion of his potential bid for TikTok with a post on X that read: Okay fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned In a video posted on Jan. 15, Donaldson then told his followers: I just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires. TikTok, we mean business.On Monday, Jan. 20, Donaldson posted another update. TikTok, Im on a private jet right now about to put in my official offer for this platform, he said. I might become your guys new CEO.The Associated Press that Donaldson had joined a consortium of investors, led by Employer.com founder and CEO Jesse Tinsley, in their bid for TikTok. Tinsley announced that the consortium made a formal, all-cash offer to purchase TikTok's U.S. operations and assets.Our offer represents a win-win solution that preserves this vital platform, while addressing legitimate national security concerns, said Tinsley. The statement did not disclose the amount of the bid.Kevin O'LearyKevin O'Leary visits Outnumbered at Fox News Channel Studios on April 18, 2024, in New York City.Roy RochlinGetty ImagesKevin OLeary, Canadian investor and star of the reality television show Shark Tank, has expressed a strong interest in buying TikTok. He has joined The Peoples Bid for TikTok, an effort led by Project Liberty Founder Frank McCourt.On Foxs Americas Newsroom on Jan. 17, OLeary said that $20 billion is on the table. Cash. And on social media, the business mogul pitted himself against fellow bidder Donaldson by posting his segment on Fox, the thumbnail reading: Is MrBeast really the competition?Only one group has the tech to pull this off without breaking a sweat. Guess who? OLeary said in his Instagram caption. Weve been pitching the solution on Capitol Hill. If this deal happens, its going to rewrite the rules of social media power, all on American terms.Trump has stated that he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.OLeary is keen on this idea, but told CNBC that he has concerns. That 50/50 deal, I would love to work with Trump on, so would every other potential buyer... But the problem with some of these ideas is they are inconsistent with the ruling of the Supreme Court, he saidLarry EllisonOracle CTO Larry Ellison speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Andrew HarnikGetty ImagesWhile speaking from the White House, Trump stated that he would like Oracle chief technology officer and cofounder Larry Ellison to buy TikTok. In front of reporters, he turned to Ellison and said: Larry, lets negotiate in front of the media. So what Im thinking about saying to someone is, Buy it, and give half to the United States of America. He then asked Ellison if it sounded reasonable, with Ellison responding: Sounds like a good deal to me, Mr. President.Ellison, an ally to the President, previously made a bid for TikTok back in 2020, when Trump pushed for a ban on the platform during his first term at the White House.Perplexity AIAn image of a person holding a cell phone in front of a Perplexity AI logo displayed on a computer screen, on April 20, 2024, in Edmonton, Canada. Artur WidakGetty ImagesPerplexity is a free AI-powered answer engine, that arguably competes with the likes of OpenAI and Google.Perplexity AI reportedly made a bid to merge with TikTok on Saturday, Jan. 18, with the understanding it would allow most of ByteDances existing investors to retain their equity stake.TIME has reached out to the respective TikTok deal contenders for comment.

Highly anticipated: Sony's might have a fresh pair of flagship noise-canceling cans dropping soon. A few recent FCC filings have led to speculation that the company is preparing to unleash its next-gen WH-1000XM6 headphones sometime this year. Recent FCC filings give us a sneak peek into what could be Sony's next-gen XM6 headset. Drawings suggest a slightly tweaked physical design from the current XM5 model.One of the most intriguing changes is detachable earpads. The filing shows the earpads can lift off, with the headphone's nameplate and serial numbers tucked underneath. Sony hid that info along the inner pad edge on the XM5.It's unclear if the earpads use magnets, clips, or some other adhering system to stay put. Screws seem unlikely, given the FCC requires the nameplate to be visible to users. Whatever the mode, having the earpads be removable could allow for easier repairs or swapping in different pad materials down the line.The headphones also appear to sport a tweaked hinge. Hopefully, this translates to a foldable design. For context, the XM5 only folds flat, not allowing for more compact storage. Users considered this a major downside over the XM4, so this is Sony's chance to change a previously unfavorable design decision.The FCC filing indicates Sony is sticking with Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support. Some minor antenna changes are evident, which could improve wireless performance and range. The Walkman Blog notes that the driver size remains unchanged at 30mm.Sony lists the tested unit as a prototype rather than production-ready. Most of Sony's previous FCC filings were for either pre-production or finished models. So take what you will from this. // Related StoriesNailing down an official unveiling is a guessing game, but the FCC filing requests a short confidentiality period ending July 22nd, 2025. So, we will likely get an official XM6 reveal before then.The most recent rollouts of Sony's XM series have followed a biennial schedule. The XM3 landed in August 2018, the XM4 in August 2020, and the XM5 in May 2022. That release cadence means the series is already overdue for a refresh, so a spring or summer 2025 launch for the XM6 seems probable.

In brief: Shares of Electronic Arts are down nearly 20 percent after the company warned that earnings for the fiscal third quarter would be lower than initially forecasted due in large part to two franchises that underperformed during the holidays. As of writing, shares of EA are trading for $115.80. Ahead of the announcement, the stock was changing hands at $142.35.EA said its global football franchise, which had experienced two consecutive fiscal years of double-digit net bookings growth, hit a rough patch in the fiscal third quarter. Dragon Age also underperformed during the quarter; its 1.5 million players were nearly 50 percent less than EA had anticipated.As a result, EA revised its third quarter preliminary net bookings. The company now expects approximately $2.215 billion, down from the previous forecast of between $2.4 billion and $2.55 billion. Net revenue, meanwhile, should check in around $1.883 billion; previously, EA had forecasted net revenue in the range of $1.875 billion to $2.025 billion.EA CEO Andrew Wilson said that despite the hiccups, they remain confident in their long-term strategy and expect a full return to growth in FY26. The executive added that this month, teams conducted a comprehensive gameplay refresh in addition to their annual team of the year update in FC 25, and that early feedback has been encouraging.CFO Stuart Canfield concurred, adding that as they look to FY26, they expect grow with the launch of more iconic franchises.Electronic Arts had been at the forefront of soccer games with its popular FIFA franchise, which dates back to 1993. A licensing dispute with FIFA in 2022, however, brought an end to the popular series. The company still makes soccer games, but they're now under the EA Sports FC brand. The most recent, EA Sports FC 25, launched on September 27, 2024, for most major platforms.EA is scheduled to release its next earnings report on February 4, and will host a conference call do discuss the results at 5 pm Eastern. // Related Stories

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Amazon.com said it is open to talks with officials from the Canadian and Quebec governments about the decision to shut down operations in the countrys French-speaking province, which would lead to 1,700 people losing their jobs.

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