Apple's design leadership in flux

The original iPhone (Photo: Apple)

Apple's iconic design aesthetic, once synonymous with the visionary leadership of Jony Ive, has undergone significant upheaval in recent years. Since Ive's departure in 2019, the company has struggled to maintain a steady design helm. His handpicked successor, Evans Hankey, left in 2022, triggering a mass exodus of key design talent.

The departure of Hankey and her team left Apple with a substantial leadership void. To address this, the company initially placed the entire design team under the purview of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, an unusual move given his extensive responsibilities.

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Google pulls the plug on Chromecast

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After over a decade of streaming success, Google has announced the end of production for its Chromecast devices. The company cited significant technological advancements since the original Chromecast's 2013 launch as the primary reason for the decision. While existing Chromecast models will remain available for purchase while supplies last, Google promises continued software and security updates for its newer devices. But it hasn't said which ones.

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Google unveils Google TV Streamer: A Chromecast successor with substance

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Google has introduced the Google TV Streamer, a US$99.99 (around CA$138) set-top box designed to supersede the Chromecast with Google TV. This sleek device packs a performance punch with a 22% faster processor, double the RAM, and integrated Thread and Matter support.

Beyond raw power, the Streamer introduces a redesigned remote with dedicated volume controls, a customizable button, plus a handy remote finder feature. Google's Gemini AI also makes an appearance, offering content summaries and reviews.

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Apple rebounds with revenue growth, but China challenges persist

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Apple's third-quarter results revealed a return to sales growth, exceeding Wall Street expectations across all product lines. The company's optimistic outlook suggests continued growth in the current quarter, mirroring the 5% increase achieved in the previous period.

However, China remains a persistent hurdle. While Apple reported improvements compared to the first half of the year, revenue in the region fell short of analyst forecasts and declined year-over-year. Despite executive optimism, the Chinese market continues to pose challenges.

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