Firefox Unveils Perplexity as an Additional Search Engine Choice for Desktop Users

**Perplexity AI Becomes the Latest Search Engine Choice in Firefox**

After a limited testing phase earlier this year, Mozilla has formally incorporated Perplexity AI as a default search engine choice for desktop Firefox users. This new feature is intended to improve the search experience by delivering conversational replies along with citations, enabling users to verify information without having to navigate through numerous pages of search results.

In a recent blog entry, Mozilla declared the wider availability of Perplexity AI, emphasizing the favorable responses received during the trial period. The inclusion of this AI-powered search engine is crafted to simplify how users gather information, facilitating quick access to accurate answers.

Mozilla has tackled potential privacy issues by assuring users that Perplexity AI follows stringent policies against the sale or sharing of personal information. Users will retain control over when and how they decide to utilize this new search feature.

At present, Perplexity AI is exclusively offered on the desktop version of Firefox, but Mozilla is diligently working on making it available in the mobile browser within the upcoming months. Users can locate Perplexity AI as an option in the unified search button found in Firefox’s address bar.

**New Features Beyond Perplexity Integration**

Alongside the incorporation of Perplexity AI, Mozilla has unveiled several additional improvements in the latest Firefox update:

– **Profiles Support:** This feature enables users to establish and switch between various browsing configurations, accommodating different requirements and tastes.

– **Visual Search:** Powered by Google Lens, this feature allows users to search for information related to any image with a straightforward right-click. Mozilla has indicated that user feedback will be essential in shaping where visual search will be expanded next, including possible enhancements to mobile platforms.

These updates signify Mozilla’s dedication to enhancing user experience and offering innovative tools that boost browsing efficiency and effectiveness.

Eddy Cue Explains the Reasons for the Name Change of Apple TV and Responds to Possible Confusion

**Apple TV Rebranding: The Shift from Apple TV+ to Apple TV**

Apple has officially transitioned its streaming service from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV. This change, revealed by Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, signifies a strategic initiative to align the service’s branding with how users commonly refer to it. In a recent discussion on The Town podcast, Cue expanded on the reasoning for this transformation and its effects on Apple’s branding.

### The Rationale Behind the Change

Eddy Cue shared that the choice to remove the “Plus” from Apple TV+ was a collective decision at Apple. Originally, the “Plus” label was employed to distinguish between free and paid service versions, akin to iCloud+ and News+. However, Cue pointed out that Apple TV’s subscription service has now developed a robust identity, making the “Plus” differentiation unnecessary.

He remarked, “We all called it Apple TV and we said, given where we are today, it’s a great time to do it, so let’s just do it.” This simplification seeks to streamline the brand and improve consumer recognition.

### Addressing Possible Confusion

One concern regarding the rebranding was the potential confusion with Apple’s hardware products, like the Apple TV 4K. Cue dismissed these worries, asserting that the naming convention has remained consistent across Apple’s ecosystem. He highlighted that the app has long been known as Apple TV, even on third-party devices, helping to reduce any confusion among consumers.

### Consumer Response and Future Effects

While some might miss the “Plus” in everyday discussion, the rebranding is anticipated to positively resonate with users who are already used to referring to the service simply as Apple TV. This alteration simplifies the brand and further solidifies the service’s position in the competitive streaming arena.

### Conclusion

The shift from Apple TV+ to Apple TV represents a pivotal point in Apple’s branding approach. By aligning the service’s name with consumer terminology and removing unnecessary distinctions, Apple strives to fortify its identity in the streaming industry. As the service continues to expand, this rebranding could be vital to its future achievements.

Apple’s Smart Home Hub Suggests Fresh Product Development Approaches in Light of Rising Price Target

### Apple’s Upcoming Smart Home Hub: What to Anticipate

Apple is preparing to make its debut in the smart home sector with its inaugural smart home hub that features a display, expected to arrive in spring 2026. Based on a report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, this device signifies a major transformation in Apple’s production strategy, as it will be manufactured in Vietnam instead of the usual production center of China.

#### Changes in Manufacturing

BYD, a Chinese company well-known for its electric vehicles in Europe and Asia, will oversee the assembly of this novel smart home product. This choice to produce in Vietnam highlights a significant alteration for Apple, which has customarily introduced new devices in China before branching out manufacturing to other regions. This tactical realignment may indicate Apple’s intention to diversify its supply chain and reduce dependence on a single nation for production.

#### Product Specifications

The forthcoming smart home hub is projected to retail at approximately $350. Reports suggest that there are two variants in progress: one akin to a HomePod mini with a 7-inch screen, and another intended for wall installation. This initiative is part of a larger strategy by Apple to bolster its smart home portfolio, which also includes plans for indoor security cameras and a future smart display integrated with a robotic arm.

#### Release Schedule

Although the smart home hub featuring a display is scheduled for launch in spring 2026, the indoor security camera is expected to debut as soon as the end of next year. The robotic version of the smart display is projected to follow in 2027.

#### Growth in Manufacturing

The Bloomberg report also reveals that Apple is aiming to amplify its iPad production in Vietnam, indicating a wider commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in that area.

As Apple gears up to reveal its latest smart home offerings, the alteration in production strategy and the rollout of innovative devices could have a considerable influence on the smart home market dynamics. For more comprehensive details, you can access the complete report on Bloomberg.

Apple Wallet to Enable Car Key Feature for GM Autos, Discovered in Recent Backend Code

At this year’s WWDC, Apple announced that 13 additional automakers had pledged to implement the Apple Wallet car key feature. Recent updates indicate that a number of these manufacturers might soon activate this capability.

Apple has recently introduced backend car key support for General Motors (GM) vehicles, as reported by MacRumors. This enhancement implies that car key support for certain GM models could soon be incorporated into the Apple Wallet app. The internal code found suggests that Apple has incorporated settings for GM vehicles within its roster of cars that will facilitate car key integration.

This finding comes after earlier reports from Aaron Perris, who observed that Apple had similarly added backend code for Rivian, Smart, and Voyah vehicles. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while Apple is advancing on its part, automakers also need to carry out the essential modifications to activate the feature. The latest updates in Apple’s code imply that the launch of this feature is imminent.

For GM, car key support will cover Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, although specific models eligible for the car key feature have yet to be verified. Besides GM, the 13 newly supported brands include Acura, Chery, Hongqi, Lucid, Porsche, Tata, and WEY.

For individuals seeking the comprehensive list of vehicles that will support the Apple Wallet’s car key feature, additional information can be found in related posts.

New Enhancements and Improvements for Apple Notes in iOS 26

# Apple Notes in iOS 26: Fresh Features and Upgrades

Apple Notes has established itself as one of the most frequently updated applications from Apple, and iOS 26 introduced a variety of impressive new features. Here’s what’s new for Apple Notes in iOS 26.

## New Liquid Glass Aesthetic

Arguably the most significant transformation for Notes this year is the completely redesigned Liquid Glass interface. While the app’s foundational structure remains unchanged, everything appears and feels much more contemporary due to universal UI enhancements.

Buttons and other interface components have been revamped, repositioned, and improved. The search function is now prominently located at the bottom of the display. Line spacing adjustments have been made. The Notes toolbar can now be navigated horizontally. There’s also a new app icon. Overall, the reimagined design of Notes represents a thorough redesign that is both recognizable and revitalized.

## Dynamic Toolbar

Notes has incorporated numerous new features over recent years, which may complicate locating the tools you require. To mitigate the potential issue of feature overload, iOS 26 introduces a dynamic toolbar.

When composing new text or selecting existing text for modification, you’ll see the innovative toolbar in action. This toolbar appears above the software keyboard on your iPhone and adjusts the tools it displays according to your actions. For instance, standard text editing presents options like bold, italics, underline, and other formatting tools. However, if you highlight multiple lines of text, the revamped toolbar will adapt to offer list tools, indenting, outdenting, and more. Essentially, Apple aims to place the most relevant tools right in front of you.

## Markdown Import and Export

Markdown support has been added to Apple Notes—kind of. Importing and exporting Markdown is now possible in Notes with iOS 26. While the app doesn’t provide styling for Markdown syntax, you can draft a note entirely in Markdown and subsequently export it easily through the new share sheet feature. Importing Markdown files is also achievable via the share sheet (or menu bar on iPad). However, simply copy/pasting Markdown text will not trigger a conversion within Notes.

Markdown was developed by John Gruber as a “text-to-HTML conversion tool for web writers.” It allows users to write in a straightforward, readable format, which can then be transformed into structurally valid HTML. Over time, it has gained popularity among online writers.

## Notes Available on Apple Watch

For those using Apple Watch, iOS 26 and watchOS 26 finally bring the Notes app to your wrist. You can access all your notes directly from the new Watch app, and pinned notes will be prominently displayed at the top just as they are on your iPhone. Even more beneficial: the new app allows you to create new notes without the need to reach for your iPhone, especially handy due to dictation capabilities.

## Reed Pen for Calligraphy

Apple Notes features a tool palette specifically designed for use with Apple Pencil, but this is also available on iPhones. In iOS and iPadOS 26, this palette includes a new tool option: a reed pen. The reed pen allows for a traditional calligraphy experience within Apple Notes, complete with stroke-angle presets integrated into the tool.

Which new features of Apple Notes in iOS 26 excite you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.