Innovation 18 August 2025 - 4 November 2025

Amazon has asked Perplexity to stop allowing its Comet AI browser to buy products on Amazon’s site, calling the practice unauthorized. Perplexity rejects the demand, accusing Amazon of limiting customer choice. Nomad released updated Stand One and Stand One Max wireless chargers with Qi2.2 compatibility and up to 25W charging, priced at $119 and $159.

Vistabeam was named 2025 Operator of the Year by WISPA at the WISPAPALOOZA conference in Las Vegas, recognized for its hybrid fiber and wireless network in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado. Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro may launch in brown, purple, and burgundy in 2026, with black absent, according to leaks. Elon Musk said Tesla is considering a new diner near Giga Texas after opening in West Hollywood.

Samsung has hidden a Connectivity Labs Wi-Fi menu in Galaxy phones running OneUI 6+, accessible by tapping seven times on the Intelligent Wi-Fi software version. The menu unlocks tools including Wi-Fi 7 mode, network quality data, and AI-powered mobile data switching for diagnostics and optimization.

SAKURA Internet (TSE:3778) posted Q2 revenue of JP¥8.1b and statutory EPS of JP¥75.23, meeting forecasts. Analysts cut the median target price by 27% to JP¥2,886, citing valuation concerns. Revised 2026 EPS projections rose to JP¥40.00, while revenue estimates were trimmed to JP¥35.7b.

Apple’s 2025 App Store update allows Indian developers to submit app updates and events independently, even during review. The change streamlines releases during high-traffic periods and adds support for up to 70 custom product pages. Expanded in-app purchase codes are included. The update targets India’s multilingual market.

YouTube will reorganize its product team into three AI-focused groups and offer voluntary exit packages with severance to U.S. staff, CEO Neal Mohan said. No layoffs are planned. Apple stock trades near record highs ahead of Q4 earnings, with iPhone demand and Services growth in focus. A security researcher’s bot has linked a dozen drone brands to DJI using FCC wireless fingerprints.

DJI’s $15 Mic Series Mobile Receiver, launched in China and parts of Europe, remains unavailable in the U.S. due to looming regulatory bans. U.S. creators are paying up to $40 on resale markets as import barriers persist.

Baltimore County police handcuffed a high school student after an AI security system misidentified a bag of chips as a gun, NBC News reports. The school is reviewing the incident and the use of AI surveillance.

SpaceX and Cards Against Humanity have settled a dispute over land near Starbase, with CAH regaining control and beginning restoration. Studio Blo and producer Chad Greulach will co-create AI-generated entertainment for U.S. streaming platforms, expanding Blo’s slate. Nvidia remains central to AI growth, with top investors predicting further gains. Microsoft reports record revenue of $281.7 billion for fiscal 2025 as job cuts continue.

Huawei unveiled a global Sea-Blue and a China-only purple variant of its Watch Ultimate Design 2, featuring sapphire glass, titanium frame, 150m diving capability, and sonar-based underwater communication. At a university event, journalist Karen Hao called for stronger AI governance and data privacy rules, highlighting OpenAI’s central role in the industry.

Apple is reportedly working with SpaceX to bring full 5G satellite internet to the iPhone 18 Pro, aiming for broadband access without Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Starlink’s current service requires a dish, but Apple may try to integrate satellite connectivity directly into the device. No smartphone yet offers true 5G satellite internet.

SpaceX launched the SpainSat NG-II military communications satellite for Spain from Cape Canaveral on October 23 after a one-day delay. The Falcon 9 first stage made its 22nd flight but did not attempt a landing. The satellite, built by Airbus, will support secure defense communications for Spain and NATO. The launch marked the 88th from Florida this year.

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro may launch at a higher price, as the new 2nm TSMC chip costs about 50% more to produce, according to China Times. Rising costs for storage and camera parts are also squeezing margins. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the 2nm chip could power all iPhone 18 models due to improved yields. Apple is reportedly not receiving special discounts from TSMC.

Ezee Fiber will begin a three-week construction project to expand high-speed internet in Santa Fe’s Districts 1 and 2, aiming for completion by Thanksgiving. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says the AI data-center boom will need hundreds of thousands of electricians and plumbers, not just software workers, citing major investments and a skilled trades shortage.

Elon Musk’s $1 trillion Tesla pay package faces opposition from some investors and proxy firm ISS ahead of a shareholder vote. Samsung’s Galaxy A73 is receiving its final major update, One UI 8 based on Android 16, in parts of Asia. Opera launched Neon, an AI-powered browser with three assistants and a $19.90 monthly fee. Anker’s Nano Power Bank 10K 45W features a retractable USB-C cable and fast charging.

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro features a brighter OLED display, bigger battery, A19 Pro chip with 12 GB RAM, and improved cameras, but switches to aluminum, drawing criticism for scratching and a larger camera bump. Apple’s Mac Mini M4 dropped to $499 on Amazon, undercutting Windows mini PCs and offering 16 GB unified memory, 256 GB SSD, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Vertu unveiled the Agent Q luxury smartphone at Harrods in London, featuring a 6.02-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Supreme chip, 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage. The device offers a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto, and 32MP front camera. Ruby Talk button connects to over 200 AI agents with 24/7 concierge. Handcrafted with crocodile leather and gold, it is a Harrods exclusive.