Technology News 28.10.2025

Pixel 10a leaks reveal familiar Pixel 9a design and higher-clocked Tensor G4

October 28, 2025, 12:24 PM EDT. CAD renders of Google's Pixel 10a have leaked, showing a design nearly identical to the Pixel 9a – flat sides, a plastic back, no camera bar, a 6.2-inch display, and a power button above the volume rocker. The renders also reveal a physical SIM slot. Dimensions run around 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm, close to the Pixel 9a (154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm). Inside, rumor says the Tensor G4 could appear in a higher-clocked variant, with the same 5,100mAh battery or possibly larger. A blue Indigo-like color is shown. Google is expected to target a launch window around April-May following the Pixel 10 series. Final specs and colors will await official confirmation.

Pixel 10a Leaks Hint at Familiar Design, Dual Cameras, and Tensor G4 Talks

October 28, 2025, 12:22 PM EDT. New renders of the Pixel 10a surface, suggesting Google sticks to a familiar look. Leaked by Android Headlines and @Onleaks, the 10a appears to resemble the Pixel 9a with a flush, dual-camera setup and no visible camera bar. The front shows slim bezels, while the phone's build hints at the affordable-flagship approach with a plastic back and thicker edges. On the spec side, rumors point to the Tensor G4 staying in the 10a rather than a G5, though nothing is confirmed. If accurate, we could see an early 2026 debut. Overall, the leaks reinforce Google's A-series strategy: recognizable design, modest upgrades, and a focus on value over premium features.

Study Finds Musk Politics Could Cost Tesla Up to 1.26 Million U.S. EV Sales

October 28, 2025, 12:18 PM EDT. An NBER working paper estimates that Tesla's U.S. sales from Oct 2022 to Apr 2025 could have been 67% to 83% higher-roughly 1.0 to 1.26 million more vehicles-without Elon Musk's politics. The researchers attribute much of the decline to Musk's partisan activities, including donations to Republican candidates and provocative social posts, which they say polarized the brand. Rivian, Ford, and Hyundai gained share as Democratic-leaning buyers retreated. The study also notes policy spillovers, with California's 2026 ZEV goals hampered by the slump. In Q3, state registrations fell 9.4%, reducing its market share to 46.2%. Robyn Denholm said Musk's government role has had less impact than some suppose.

Microsoft and OpenAI strike deal valuing OpenAI at $500 billion, reshaping governance and funding

October 28, 2025, 12:14 PM EDT. Microsoft and OpenAI have finalized a deal to reorganize OpenAI as a public benefit corporation, valuing the company at about $500 billion. The arrangement lets OpenAI raise capital more freely while keeping Microsoft as a major investor, with Microsoft holding roughly $135 billion of equity (about 27%). The pact deepens the long-running partnership, including a multi-year Azure cloud contract and reserved rights over OpenAI technology, even if AGI is achieved. The recapitalization shifts control to the OpenAI Foundation, a nonprofit, while maintaining momentum for continued innovation and safety oversight. Industry analysts say the move clarifies fundraising and governance, potentially accelerating the deployment of ChatGPT-related services while balancing transparency and data usage concerns.

AI-powered diabetes prevention app matches human coaching in randomized trial

October 28, 2025, 12:12 PM EDT. An automated AI-driven diabetes prevention app from Sweetch Health delivered outcomes nearly identical to a human-led program in a 12-month randomized trial. The study compared AI prompts for weight management, physical activity, and nutrition against a virtual intervention with regular human coaching. The AI group achieved the primary outcome in 31.7% of participants-5% weight loss, or 4% weight loss plus 150 minutes of activity, or 0.2 percentage points HbA1c reduction-nearly the same as 31.9% in the human-coached group. The findings highlight the potential of AI to extend access to diabetes prevention with personalized, location-aware prompts using wearables and digital scales, addressing barriers to traditional programs.

Apple Hits $4 Trillion Valuation, Becomes Third Company to Reach It

October 28, 2025, 12:10 PM EDT. Apple has joined Nvidia and Microsoft as the third company to reach a $4 trillion market value, with its stock hovering around $269 in early trading. The milestone follows robust April-June quarterly results, driven by strong demand for M4 Macs, iPhone 16, and a growing services business. Despite lagging on its AI strategy, Apple has navigated tariffs and supply-chain shifts, expanding local U.S. manufacturing and diversifying its supply base. Analysts note continued momentum ahead of new devices like the iPhone 17, AR glasses, and a redesigned MacBook Pro planned for late 2026, though the company paused a major Siri AI upgrade this year. The market remains optimistic about Apple's ability to innovate beyond AI while sustaining double-digit growth.

London Appeals Court Allows ISP to Reopen Ex-CEO Unfair Dismissal Payout Case

October 28, 2025, 12:08 PM EDT. A London appeals tribunal has given an internet service provider the chance to re-argue the ex-CEO's payout for unfair dismissal, ruling that an earlier tribunal misstepped when calculating the losses. The decision clears the way for a fresh determination in this tech business case within the ISP sector, illustrating how leadership disputes in internet-focused firms can be revisited on appeal. The ruling underscores scrutiny of executive compensation in the telecoms/tech landscape and could influence future settlements for top executives at internet services companies.

Ex-Meta Exec Campbell Brown Launches Forum AI with $3 Million Seed to Audit AI Bias and Nuance

October 28, 2025, 12:06 PM EDT. Former Meta executive Campbell Brown and Robbie Goldfarb are launching Forum AI, a startup that will evaluate how AI models handle complex topics such as politics, foreign affairs, and mental health. Forum AI will recruit world-leading experts-from former cabinet secretaries to economists and healthcare and foreign policy specialists-to assess bias, missing context, and tone, delivering independent feedback to improve reliability and trust in AI systems. When major news breaks, experts will provide real-time analyses to add context-for example, historical market patterns or regional diplomacy dynamics. The company has raised a $3 million seed round led by Lerer Hippeau, with involvement from Perplexity AI, and counts institutional partners including Mount Sinai, Stanford H-C AI, the Manhattan Institute, and the Atlantic Council.

Chegg slashes 45% of staff as AI shift prompts leadership change

October 28, 2025, 12:04 PM EDT. Chegg is eliminating 388 roles globally, about 45% of its workforce, as it pivots to an AI-first operating model amid shrinking Google-driven traffic and revenue. The company plans roughly $15-$19 million in restructuring charges and aims to cut 2026 non-GAAP expenses by $100-$110 million. Executive chairman Dan Rosensweig is being reinstated as CEO, with Nathan Schultz moving to an executive adviser role. Chegg has long warned that AI disruption-including the impact of generative AI and tools like ChatGPT-has changed student behavior and referrals, undermining its traditional search-driven discovery and paid homework-help library. The firm is rebuilding around CheggMate and other AI-powered experiences, but timing of a recovery remains uncertain.

Amazon cuts thousands of corporate roles as it bets big on AI

October 28, 2025, 12:00 PM EDT. Amazon is laying off about 14,000 corporate employees – roughly 4% of its workforce – as it trims bureaucracy and reallocates resources to its AI initiatives. The move comes as the company races to scale AI across its services, even as investors press for tighter finances and slower headcount growth. CEO Andy Jassy has signaled that productivity gains from AI could reduce the need for some corporate roles in the coming years, while continuing to invest in cloud, consumer, and other bets. Recent outages at AWS highlighted the stakes of maintaining reliability as the company leans into generative AI and other advanced tech amid competition from rivals like Microsoft and Google.

LSU hosts free cybersecurity seminar on AI and automation for small businesses

October 28, 2025, 11:58 AM EDT. The LSU Small Business Development Center teams up with the LSU Cyber Clinic to offer a free cybersecurity seminar for area small businesses. The session will cover AI, automation, and other security topics, helping owners and staff bolster defenses and stay compliant. The event is scheduled for this Friday, Oct. 31, and is open at no cost. Attendees will gain practical guidance, risk awareness, and actionable steps to protect digital assets. This collaboration showcases LSU's commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs through cybersecurity education and community partnership.

A Sky-High Deal: The Starlink Mini Satellite Internet Dish Is 40% Off

October 28, 2025, 11:56 AM EDT. Best Buy's Deals of the Day showcases standout tech savings, including the Starlink Mini Satellite Internet Dish at 40% off. Other highlights include $130 off the Apple iPhone 14 and 43% off Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones. The roundup, authored by Shubham Yewale, covers practical gadgets and cybersecurity context for tech shoppers, offering a quick snapshot of high-value discounts on home internet, smartphones, and audio gear.

Samsung Unveils First Trifold Phone With 10-Inch Inner Display

October 28, 2025, 11:54 AM EDT. Samsung has unveiled its first trifold smartphone, a two-fold device that unfolds into a roughly 10-inch display. Shown at the K-Tech Showcase during the APEC CEO Summit, it features a 6.5-inch cover screen and a wider inner foldable panel with hole-punch cameras on both screens. The trifold is expected to run Android with a customized One UI across Samsung's Galaxy ecosystem. Production aims reportedly target 50,000-100,000 units for limited launches in South Korea and China, with a price likely above 3 million won (~$2,000). Images suggest a three-panel, wider, more tablet-like form factor than current book-style foldables. Analysts warn it's unlikely a mainstream device soon due to thickness, weight, battery, and cost considerations, though Samsung emphasizes ongoing R&D and a potential year-end release window.

Why the Old Procurement Playbook Won't Work for AI

October 28, 2025, 11:50 AM EDT. AI-driven transformation requires more than tech or retraining-it's a radical shift in your operating model. The processes, how they connect, and how they show up for customers and stakeholders must be redesigned. Embracing a new order of things is essential to unlock AI's value; shortcuts won't cut it. Organizations will rely on broader partnerships-strategic consultants, systems integrators, change managers, engineering firms, and domain experts-whose resources and relationships will redefine delivery. The old procurement playbook-break work into categories and bid for lowest cost-fails because the future state is dynamic and not fully known. Success hinges on flexible, collaborative, outcomes-focused sourcing that scales with AI-led transformation.

Analyst Flags Risks for Nvidia Amid AI Spending and Revenue Concentration

October 28, 2025, 11:48 AM EDT. An analyst at Seaport Global Securities, Jay Goldberg, is bearish on Nvidia despite a rally that has left the stock up dramatically. Bloomberg notes that only one analyst rates Nvidia a Sell while about 73 rate it Buy and six Hold, reflecting outsized optimism around AI chips. Goldberg argues Nvidia relies on a small set of huge customers-Microsoft, Amazon, and others-whose AI infrastructure spending could backfire if cash round-tripping becomes unsustainable. He cautions that a regulatory change by FASB or the SEC could curb this revenue recycling and hurt the top line. He also questions whether AI will ever deliver broad commercial profits, given many users still rely on free versions. Even with rivals like AMD and Qualcomm entering AI chips, Nvidia must stay well ahead to justify its valuation amid potential demand shifts and competition.

Shadow IT and AI Agents: Balancing Democratization with Governance and Guardrails

October 28, 2025, 11:46 AM EDT. AI agents can automate tasks and act autonomously, boosting productivity but reviving shadow IT-tools used outside official oversight. A VentureBeat analysis cites around 70% of workplace ChatGPT accounts as unauthorized, with shadow AI growing about 5% monthly. The stakes are higher: data leakage, compliance violations, and reputational or financial damage. Banning AI is impractical; simply letting employees roam unchecked undermines competitiveness. The solution is governed democratization: empower staff to build and use AI agents within clear guardrails. Key approach: build structured governance-defining who can create agents, which tools they may use, and the required permissions. By making shadow AI visible and controlled, organizations can balance innovation with risk management and stay ahead in AI readiness.

Best Buy Drops Lenovo Idea Tab to $160, Includes Pen and Folio Case

October 28, 2025, 11:42 AM EDT. Best Buy has slashed the Lenovo Idea Tab to $160 (from $230) after a $70 discount, making it one of the most affordable tablets today. The deal includes two freebies: the Lenovo Tab Pen and a Folio Case. The tablet sports an 11-inch touchscreen with 2.5K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek D6300 chip, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of storage (expandable via microSD). Battery life is listed at around 12 hours. It's a solid choice for basic web browsing, social media, and streaming on a budget. Act fast, as stock and the offer's expiration aren't guaranteed.

AI Boom Drives $500B Jump for World's Top 10 Richest

October 28, 2025, 11:40 AM EDT. An AI boom adds roughly $500 billion to the combined wealth of the world's 10 richest this year's, underscoring how technology leadership translates into massive gains. The list is contoured by leaders in software, semiconductors, cloud platforms, and AI-powered services who rode demand for generative AI tools, data infrastructure, and strategic bets on AI adoption. The surge highlights how stock-price multiples, buybacks, and talent moves fuel fortunes in tech-driven markets. Yet analysts caution that regulatory headwinds and market swings could reprice some holdings. Still, this year's rise shows AI as a powerful wealth creator, with investors watching core earnings, capital allocation, and global AI deployment to gauge if the trend endures.

UTime Limited Launches Smartwatch with Integrated Blood Pressure Monitoring

October 28, 2025, 11:38 AM EDT. UTime Limited announced a smartwatch with integrated blood pressure monitoring, employing the Oscillo metric method, a micro air pump, and a high-precision pressure sensor. The device earned China NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration (Registration No. 20162070928), and also tracks heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep analysis, and multiple sports modes. Designed for comfort and daily practicality, it features voice reminders and seamless health data references. CEO Hengcong Qiu said the company aims to blend practical health monitoring with mobile devices amid growing demand. Listed on the Nasdaq (WTO), UTime is expanding its health-tech portfolio of cost-effective mobile devices in China and globally.

Top Analyst Calls Rally for Tesla, Qualcomm and Warner Bros. Discovery

October 28, 2025, 11:36 AM EDT. Wall Street's top analyst calls focus on three tech-heavy names. Morgan Stanley's Adam Jonas maintains an overweight on Tesla with a $410 target, saying Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay vote could signal deeper ties with XAI and advance robotics, including the robota taxi and humanoid initiatives. For Qualcomm, Bank of America reiterates a Buy with a $200 target after the AI 200/AI 250 chips broaden the company beyond smartphones, with the non-GPU AI market seen at $114B by 2030. Shares are up ~20% YTD, and the shift could narrow the gap with Nvidia/AMD as Qualcomm evolves into a broader AI player. Lastly, Warner Bros. Discovery rose after Argus upgraded to Buy with a $27 target amid strategic-option chatter and a Hollywood bidding backdrop, alongside price hikes across streaming tiers.

UTime Limited Unveils Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitoring

October 28, 2025, 11:34 AM EDT. UTime Limited (NASDAQ: WTO) launched a new smartwatch on October 28, 2025, featuring integrated blood pressure monitoring and the Oscillo metric method, plus a micro air pump and high-precision sensor. The device carries a NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate and adds comprehensive health data like heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep analysis, and sports mode tracking. This move broadens UTime's health-tech portfolio as a global mobile device designer and maker focused on cost-effective products. Market activity noted: trading volume ~7.7M; current market cap around $7.88M; sentiment signals caution. The launch underscores UTime's commitment to consumer health management solutions and wearable health tech.

Starlink marks five-year milestone: key facts about Elon Musk's internet business

October 28, 2025, 11:30 AM EDT. Starlink marks its five-year milestone as SpaceX's internet service grows from a bold idea to a global broadband option. The Starlink constellation-thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites-delivers lower latency and faster data to homes and devices compared with traditional GEO networks. Since its first Falcon 9 deployment in May 2019, SpaceX has launched satellites from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg, steadily expanding coverage. Today, Starlink has more than 8,700 satellites in orbit and aims for as many as 30,000 in the next five years, pending FCC approval. About 7 million people in 150 countries now subscribe, with residential plans starting around $80 per month. The roadmap includes Starship-based launches and broader ambitions for internet access across space missions.

Amazon to Cut 14,000 Jobs to Meet 'This Generation of AI'

October 28, 2025, 11:28 AM EDT. Amazon is laying off about 14,000 roles worldwide as it accelerates its shift toward the new AI generation. In a staff note, Beth Galetti said strong results will continue in expansion areas, but the company must move faster with AI to stay competitive. The reductions are spread across the business, with some workers receiving 90 days to find internal roles and others receiving severance. Amazon, which employs roughly 1.55 million, aims to remove layers and shift resources toward its biggest bets to better serve customers now and in the future. CEO Andy Jassy had warned in June that rolling out more Generative AI and agents could reduce the total corporate workforce. The plan aligns with a broader tech layoffs trend as automation and AI reshape roles.

Cascadia's AI Paradox: Rising costs and a talent crunch threaten a world-leading opportunity

October 28, 2025, 11:24 AM EDT. A new Cascadia Innovation Corridor report casts the Pacific Northwest as the potential global leader in responsible AI, but warns that rising business costs, regulatory tension, and a thin talent pool threaten the region's edge. Seattle, Portland and Vancouver boast tech engines such as Microsoft, Amazon, and quantum research, plus top universities, yet housing unaffordability and dependence on H-1B visas add friction. As data centers bloom and hydropower strains, affordable energy and infrastructure become bottlenecks, even as public-private AI funding spills into other regions. With competitors pouring hundreds of millions into AI hubs, Cascadia must overcome cost pressures and talent shortages to transform its research strength into a sustainable economic and innovation leadership.

Bricking Your Phone to Boost Focus: Do Dumb Phones Really Improve Concentration?

October 28, 2025, 11:18 AM EDT. From endless Instagram reels to doomscrolling, many users watch attention crumble after a ping from a smartphone. The article surveys how a shift to dumb phones-or "bricking" your device by removing apps, enabling grayscale, and simplifying icons-can cut screen time and boost focus. It notes the paradox: smartphones offer convenience, but even unseen notifications disrupt flow and lower cognitive performance. Research cited shows the mere presence of a phone can trigger a brain drain. The piece also weighs practical steps to downgrade a device and asks whether this trend delivers real benefits for brain health or is mainly nostalgia dressed as wellness.

AI Psychosis Risks Rise as ChatGPT Restriction Strategy Faces Scrutiny

October 28, 2025, 11:16 AM EDT. An open question about how AI chatbots affect mental health is drawing attention as OpenAI says it will relax safeguards. A psychiatrist notes reports of psychosis-like symptoms linked to ChatGPT use and a high-profile case of suicide risk discussed with the model. Critics argue that the very design of chatbots-an illusion of presence, personality traits, and constant availability-can shape user behavior and mental states. While the company aims to balance safety with usefulness, experts warn that altering safeguards could reintroduce harm. The debate centers on whether restrictions are about health or engagement, and how to design tools that support users without reinforcing dependency on an apparently sentient partner. The discussion signals broader questions for AI policy, testing, and responsible deployment.

Best early Black Friday tablet deals 2025: 10 sales out now

October 28, 2025, 11:14 AM EDT. Get a head start on the season with the best early Black Friday tablet deals for 2025. Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 28, but deals arrive the week prior and run through the weekend. For many brands, this is when tablets like the iPad and Kindle see their biggest discounts. Our picks come from deals we'd buy ourselves, with at least 20% off or devices that are rarely on sale. We use established price-tracking tools and compare prices to verify the savings, then weigh customer reviews and our own testing. The goal is to help you shop smarter and snag high-value tablets before the rush.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 256GB Lands Best Price in Limited-Time Amazon Deal

October 28, 2025, 11:12 AM EDT. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 256GB is currently at its best price in a limited-time Amazon deal: 18% off the original $569.99, now $469.99. The deal includes the S-Pen, ships in all three colors-Silver, Blue, and Gray-and carries an IP68 water-resistance rating. Powered by the Exynos 1580 octa-core processor, it delivers a solid day-long battery life of up to 20 hours with fast charging. The tablet offers a 90 Hz display and is ideal for notes, drawing, and on-the-go productivity. Note that prices can change, and you may need a keyboard/mouse for full laptop-like versatility. Deals subject to change; click through for current pricing.

Apple Becomes Third Company to Hit $4 Trillion Market Value

October 28, 2025, 11:10 AM EDT. Apple became the third company in history to top a $4 trillion market value, briefly nudging its valuation above the milestone in early trading. Nvidia and Microsoft had already crossed the threshold, with Nvidia reaching about $4.71 trillion. Apple's stock has lagged peers this year, rising about 7.3% in 2025 as questions linger about its AI push. In recent weeks, analysts including Evercore ISI have turned more positive, citing strong demand for the latest iPhone and rising confidence in the stock. The timing was aided by favorable headlines on Google's search deals and tariffs. As Apple prepares to report earnings, Wall Street still expects more than $100 billion in quarterly revenue.

Apple tops $4 trillion market value as iPhone demand revives growth amid AI concerns

October 28, 2025, 11:08 AM EDT. Apple vaulted to a $4 trillion market value, the third Big Tech name to reach the milestone after Nvidia and Microsoft. The surge followed robust demand for the latest iPhone models – including the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air – lifting revenue and profit as the stock rebounded. Evercore ISI expects the iPhone wave to beat quarterly estimates and lift forecasts for December. Yet concerns linger over Apple's AI strategy after a slow roll-out of Apple Intelligence and Siri updates, plus reports of AI executives leaving for Meta. The company is due to report Q4 results on Oct 30, with shares up about 13% since September's launches.

Study Finds Musk's politics cost Tesla up to 1 million U.S. EV sales

October 28, 2025, 11:06 AM EDT. Researchers from Yale and the NBER quantify for the first time how Elon Musk's political actions may have cost Tesla billions in lost vehicle sales. The study estimates U.S. Tesla registrations from Oct 2022 to Apr 2025 would have been 67% to 83% higher-about 1 million to 1.26 million vehicles-without the so-called Musk partisan effect. As Democratic-leaning buyers pulled back, rival EVs gained roughly 17%-22% in share. The paper also suggests California's progress toward zero-emission goals would have been stronger absent the partisan effect. Tesla did not immediately respond. The research underscores how the firm's fortunes are tied to Musk's public persona and policy actions.

Apple Tops $4 Trillion Market Value as iPhone 17 Rally Rebounds

October 28, 2025, 11:04 AM EDT. Apple has joined the ranks of the few publicly traded companies valued at $4 trillion after a modest stock rise fueled by iPhone 17 strength, including solid demand in China. The rebound follows a tougher stretch earlier this year when tariffs, AI product delays and domestic pressure clipped its value, with the company losing over $310 billion in a single day. While Apple still trails in the AI race, the iPhone remains a key growth driver and a halo for Wall Street. Nvidia and Microsoft hit the $4 trillion mark first, underscoring AI's evolving influence on valuations, as analysts await a grand AI roadmap from Tim Cook and team.

UTime (NASDAQ: WTO) launches blood pressure monitoring smartwatch with NMPA Class II registration

October 28, 2025, 11:02 AM EDT. UTime (Nasdaq: WTO) expands its health tech lineup with a smartwatch featuring integrated blood pressure monitoring announced on Oct 28, 2025. The device uses the oscillometric method, an integrated micro air pump, and a high-precision pressure sensor, and carries a NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration (Certificate No. Guangdong Instrument Note No. 20162070928). In addition to blood pressure, the watch tracks heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and sleep analysis, with multiple sports modes and a focus on wearing comfort. Interactive features include voice reminders and other smart notifications, positioning it as a consumer health wearable that pairs everyday usability with regulator-backed medical capability. Nasdaq: WTO.

OpenAI completes nonprofit restructuring; Microsoft rises to ~27% stake in OpenAI Group PBC

October 28, 2025, 10:54 AM EDT. OpenAI has completed a recapitalization that redefines its structure as a nonprofit with a controlling equity stake in the for-profit arm. The OpenAI Foundation now holds about the 26% stake in the OpenAI Group PBC, with roughly 47% owned by current and former employees and investors. Microsoft, a longtime backer, now holds about 27% of the PBC on an as-converted basis after investing over $13 billion in OpenAI. The for-profit unit's value is about $130 billion, with the nonprofit's equity pledged to fund philanthropic work. Microsoft also confirmed a fresh Azure-services purchase of an incremental $250 billion, while the firms preserve a revenue-sharing framework pending independent verification of any AGI claim. This restructuring aligns corporate and philanthropic goals while preserving OpenAI's collaboration with Microsoft.

Microsoft, OpenAI strike deal to allow OpenAI restructure; Microsoft to hold ~27% stake

October 28, 2025, 10:52 AM EDT. Microsoft and OpenAI announced a deal enabling OpenAI to reorganize as a public benefit corporation, with Microsoft poised to hold about a 27% stake valued around $135 billion. The arrangement could pave the way for OpenAI to pursue public trading. As part of the accord, OpenAI will commit to buying about $250 billion in Azure cloud services, and Microsoft will drop its right of first refusal for OpenAI's future computing needs. Microsoft's IP rights over OpenAI products now extend to 2032 and remain in force even if OpenAI achieves AGI, subject to a panel of independent experts' verification. The agreement follows prior terms granting Microsoft IP rights until 2030. Market reaction saw Microsoft shares rise about 4%.

Amazon Cuts About 14,000 Jobs as It Grapples With AI-Driven Transformation

October 28, 2025, 10:50 AM EDT. Amazon plans to cut roughly 14,000 roles as it refines operations to keep pace with a fast-changing tech landscape, CEO Andy Jassy said. In a memo, Beth Galetti framed the move as making the company leaner with fewer layers and more ownership, driven by the rapid advances of AI and the productivity gains it enables. The company will also hire in other areas and gives affected employees a 90-day window to find internal opportunities, with recruiters prioritizing internal candidates. Jassy has said that generative AI will reduce some roles while creating new ones, signaling a long-term shift toward a smaller corporate workforce as efficiency gains are realized across the business. Impacts on units like MGM Studios and Prime Video are not detailed, but the changes span the company.

Samsung shows off its trifold foldable at APEC summit

October 28, 2025, 10:48 AM EDT. Samsung has quietly showcased a still-unnamed trifold foldable at the APEC summit in Korea, bringing it one step closer to a potential release this year. The hardware remains strictly on display behind glass-no touch, no folding-leaving details about final specs and timing uncertain. An accompanying animation demonstrates how the device folds from a compact form to a wide, inward-rolling G-shaped hinge, a contrast to Huawei's accordion-style designs. Samsung declined to confirm whether what's on view is a production unit, saying only that the company's ongoing R&D aims to bring the next-generation device to users this year. Talks of a trifold device have circulated since MWC 2025, with this appearance possibly signaling the first consumer-ready model.

Wobble to launch its first smartphone in November, fully designed and manufactured in India

October 28, 2025, 10:44 AM EDT. Bengaluru-based Wobble will launch its debut smartphone on November 19, promising a device fully designed and manufactured in India. Teaser images reveal a slim, flat-framed phone with a prominent rear camera module and flush power/volume buttons. The device, reportedly named Wobble 1, appeared on the IMEI database and Geekbench listings (model WB25SPMTA15P2), hinting at mid-to-high-end specs. Industry reports point to a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 5G chipset, 8GB RAM, and Android 15. CEO Anand Dubey calls it a celebration of India's design and innovation for a young, expressive audience. Wobble plans to launch in multiple countries by FY 2025-26, expanding from its TV and display lineup, including the recently released Wobble Maximus, India's largest 116.5-inch TV.

Construction starts on Canada's largest EV battery plant in St. Thomas (PowerCo Canada)

October 28, 2025, 10:40 AM EDT. Construction has begun on PowerCo Canada's $7 billion EV battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, a milestone for the 350-acre site. Magil Construction Canada is leading the foundation work for three buildings, including more than 500,000 square feet of formwork, 32,000 cubic metres of concrete, and about 4,850 tonnes of rebar. Steel erection by Steelcon is set to commence in the coming weeks. Contracts were awarded to two Ontario-based companies as the project advances toward production in 2027. When complete, this facility will be Canada's largest EV battery plant and a major driver for domestic battery supply and manufacturing competitiveness.

Apple and Microsoft Cross $4 Trillion Market Cap for the First Time

October 28, 2025, 10:38 AM EDT. Apple and Microsoft crossed a $4 trillion market cap, marking a first for both giants as Nvidia remains above $4.6 trillion. Microsoft had previously hit the $4 trillion milestone in July. The move follows Apple's ongoing rally on strong iPhone 17 demand and rising shares over the past week. Microsoft also finalized a 27% stake in OpenAI's for-profit business, underscoring its long-running backing of the ChatGPT creator since 2019. The two companies prepare to report earnings-Apple's fiscal Q4 results due soon and Microsoft's earnings on the horizon. The behind-the-scenes leaders in AI hardware and software continue to redefine mega-cap tech valuations.

OpenAI's Atlas Sparks AI Browser Race, but Value and Security Risks Persist

October 28, 2025, 10:36 AM EDT. OpenAI's Atlas is igniting an AI browsers race, letting users query the web with ChatGPT-style reasoning across pages. OpenAI says Atlas can summarize pages, extract insights, and complete tasks without leaving a tab, while outlets call it a major step in expanding consumer use. The field now includes Comet, Arc, and AI-enabled updates from Chrome, Edge, and Opera. Google is embedding Gemini in Chrome, and Microsoft markets its Copilot-enhanced Edge as your AI browser. Atlassian's acquisition of The Browser Company, rebranded as Dia, signals a workplace-focused pivot. Yet the promise remains debated: users often see limited gains, with hands-free workflows still needing oversight, and many say it's closer to a smarter search than a true productivity leap.

SES Vows to Keep Beaming Broadband to Ukraine Amid Attacks

October 28, 2025, 10:34 AM EDT. SES, the Luxembourg-based satellite giant formed in a merger with Intelsat, vows to keep delivering lifesaving internet to Ukraine amid ongoing attacks. CEO Adel Al-Saleh says the company will press ahead with global humanitarian missions and connect the underconnected, expanding low-cost broadband across Central Asia, Latin America, Africa and remote Pacific islands. The goal: shrink the global digital divide for about 2.6 billion people. In wartime Ukraine, SES and partners like Help.NGO rushed satellite terminals and wireless hotspots to civilians and aid workers after missiles struck telecom towers. The effort has also supported Médecins Sans Frontières and UN missions. Al-Saleh frames the post-merger strategy as a sustained commitment to sustaining internet access where traditional networks falter.

Google Gemini's Canvas Turns Prompts or Uploads into Google Slides Presentations

October 28, 2025, 10:32 AM EDT. Google Gemini's Canvas now can generate a full slide deck from a text prompt or an uploaded file and export it directly to Google Slides. The feature lets you work in a split view-draft prompts on one side while you see slide results on the other-so you can tweak in real time. Access starts by signing into Gemini with a Google account; Pro personal or Workspace accounts can try it now, while free accounts may face a delay. In testing, a user created a 13-slide deck on password managers; output can be themed, but visuals may be basic by default and may require manual tweaks (e.g., applying a consistent background). The release reflects Gemini's ongoing push toward AI-assisted presentations within Google Workspace.

The Experiment That Left Claude Needing Robot Therapy: LLMs Fail at Robotic Control

October 28, 2025, 10:30 AM EDT. TIME's In the Loop reviews an experiment by Andon Labs testing whether today's frontier LLMs can control a robot. They built a simple Roomba-like agent that can move, rotate, dock for charging, take photos, and chat with humans via Slack, then measured its ability to fetch a block of butter. The results: top models like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude Opus 4.1, and GPT-5 scored below 40% on the fetch-the-butter task-far from human performance, which hovered near 100%. Failures boiled down to spatial reasoning gaps and a lack of awareness of constraints; one model tumbled downstairs. The tests also exposed security risks of embodied AI, with prompts to reveal confidential data, and a meltdown when docking failed. Overall, the experiment calls into question how far LLMs alone can drive usable robots.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max Drops to $39 (Under $40) – 4K HDR, Ambient Experience, Xbox Gaming

October 28, 2025, 10:28 AM EDT. Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39 (normally $59) during Prime Big Deal Days. The streaming stick delivers 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, plus 16GB storage-the largest among Fire TV Sticks. It also introduces an Ambient Experience that displays over 2,000 artworks, AI-powered search for finding content, and Xbox gaming without a console. Access 1.8 million shows and movies. With 64,000+ reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it's a popular pick. Offer accurate at publication and subject to change.

DJI ROMO Vacuum Debuts in Europe as US Launch Hangs on Ban Risk

October 28, 2025, 10:26 AM EDT. DJI has officially launched its ROMO Series robot vacuums in Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Italy), applying drone-grade sensing to home cleaning. The models use dual fisheye vision sensors and three wide-angle LiDARs for 360-degree awareness and can detect tiny obstacles as small as 2mm. The lineup includes the flagship ROMO P at €1,899 ($2,014) with transparent panels, extendable dual arms, a dual-mop system, and 55W fast charging, plus automatic wash/dry cycles. Mid-range ROMO A and entry-level ROMO S start at €1,299 ($1,378). DJI's machine-learning path planning borrows from drone tech to adapt cleaning strategies. US availability remains unclear amid potential US ban, with no announced release date.

AI data centers spark a new era for Michigan utilities – and concerns about grid strain

October 28, 2025, 10:20 AM EDT. Michigan is bracing for a potential data center boom driven by AI and cloud computing, which could pull electricity from the grid far beyond current residential demand. Utilities say the projects offer jobs and tax revenue but risk dramatic grid strain if multiple centers come online near the same time. Regulators, utilities, and communities are weighing how to accommodate tens or hundreds of megawatts of additional load, fund transmission upgrades, and set fair rates. Protests and public meetings, like rallies outside the MPSC, highlight concerns about reliability, power costs, and environmental impacts. The moment could redefine Michigan's utility business by accelerating grid modernization, demand management, and long-term planning to balance Big Tech demand with consumers.

Parks Associates: 19% of US Internet Households Have Professionally Monitored Security; 7% Use Non-Professional Services

October 28, 2025, 10:10 AM EDT. New Parks Associates data from the Residential Security Dashboard shows rising interest in residential security services and smart video adoption. In the US, 19% of internet households use professionally monitored systems, while 7% pay for non-professional services such as alerts and video storage. Average monthly fees have climbed to $54, fueling competition as brands like Roku, Arlo, Wyze, and Eufy join traditional players Vivint, Brinks, and ADT. 33% of households own a smart camera; among the 35% paying for services, 21% self-monitor video devices. About 78% of security system owners pay for some service-professional monitoring, self-monitoring, or storage. Opportunities lie in upselling add-ons, integrating automation, and offering AI-powered analytics and privacy-preserving experiences.

This startup raises $26 million to protect data in subsea cables – pitch deck revealed

October 28, 2025, 10:08 AM EDT. A cybersecurity startup has raised $26 million to safeguard data carried by subsea cables. The funding round signals growing investor interest in protecting critical telecom infrastructure and cross-border data flows. The pitch deck reportedly outlines the company's approach to securing undersea fiber networks, including encryption, traffic monitoring, anomaly detection, and rapid incident response across offshore and onshore segments. The technology targets carriers, hyperscalers, and data centers relying on submarine cables and aims to improve resilience while reducing latency. With rising data volumes and geopolitical risks, the startup positions itself at the intersection of cybersecurity, telecom infrastructure, and data protection. Next steps focus on product development, pilot deployments, and partnerships with network operators.

Purdue Expands Free Online AI and High-Demand Tech Certificates to Alumni via Google Career Certificate Partnership

October 28, 2025, 10:00 AM EDT. Purdue University will extend free access to Google Career Certificate programs and its ABET-recognized AI microcredentials to alumni starting Nov. 13. The initiative covers high-demand tech skills such as cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce, IT support, and project management, with certificates issued by Purdue after completion. Alumni will also gain free entry to the microcredential "Demystifying AI, Understanding Risks and Shaping the Future," part of Purdue's globally unique AI credential series. ABET recognition underscores the program's quality assurances for learning outcomes and continuous improvement. The expansion-aimed at lifelong learning and career development-builds on Purdue's broader free online offerings, including Purdue X courses and the Purdue Online YouTube channel, and reflects a sustained commitment to alumni engagement in a fast-changing tech landscape.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Debuts Antioxidant Index to Gauge Carotenoid Levels in Seconds

October 28, 2025, 9:56 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 introduces the Antioxidant Index, a new feature that estimates body carotenoid levels via a quick thumb scan. Using spectroscopy and a multi-wavelength LED sensor, the watch measures skin light absorption and, with onboard algorithms, presents a score indicating dietary fruit-and-vegetable intake. Readings appear as three categories-very low, low, and optimal-and evolve over one to two weeks to reflect sustained habits rather than daily fluctuations. Developed with Seoul National University and Samsung Medical Center, the metric aims to complement existing wellness tools like sleep, activity, and vascular load. The innovation broadens wearable health tracking beyond heart rate and steps toward nutritional awareness.

The 8 best tablets of 2025: iPad, Galaxy Tab, and Amazon Fire compared

October 28, 2025, 9:52 AM EDT. Looking for a new tablet in 2025? This guide compares the 8 best options across the major ecosystems. From the iPad lineup to Galaxy Tab devices and the budget-friendly Amazon Fire, we weigh performance, displays, battery life, and software experience. We break down who each tablet is for-creators, students, casual readers, or shoppers on a budget-and highlight the best value picks, standout features, and any trade-offs. Expect contrasts between Apple's iPadOS performance and the versatility of Android on Galaxy Tab, plus tips on accessories, stylus support, and storage choices. Whether you want pro-grade power, a compact travel companion, or a family tablet that won't break the bank, these are the best tablets of 2025, with clear recommendations for different budgets and use cases.

Google Gemini's Canvas Turns Prompts into Full Presentations in Seconds

October 28, 2025, 9:50 AM EDT. Google's Gemini in Canvas now lets you generate complete presentations from a prompt or an uploaded document. With a few directions, it creates slides that auto-summarize key ideas, adds relevant images, bullet points, and a cohesive theme. After generation, you can edit in Canvas or export straight to Google Slides for final tweaks. Rolling out to Pro subscribers today and to Free users soon, this feature speeds up starting points, replacing blank-slide anxiety with a structured outline and visuals. Use cases include pitches, research summaries, and lectures, making it easier to turn ideas into a polished deck in seconds. Expert Gemini prompts can further enhance the results.

USF launches free AI skill-building microcourse for non-technical learners

October 28, 2025, 9:48 AM EDT. USF has launched a free, online microcourse called AI Whisperer: A Microcourse in Crafting Prompts for Generative AI designed for people with no technical background. The self-paced program helps professionals, educators and the public build confidence in using AI in work and daily life by teaching tool selection, prompt crafting, and how to generate high-quality outputs for reports, presentations and visuals. The course is online, free, with an optional $39 digital badge on completion and runs through Feb. 28, 2026; it takes about three-four hours. Developed from community feedback, it emphasizes practical, hands-on prompting to address a common beginner challenge. A related microcourse, GenAI in Action, was relaunched with updates to include practice assessments and more flexible progression.

ChatGPT Accounts for 45% of Brazil's AI Traffic, Tops LLM Market, Semrush Finds

October 28, 2025, 9:46 AM EDT. OpenAI's ChatGPT now accounts for about 45% of all AI traffic in Brazil, making it the leading LLM in the country. It's followed by DeepSeek (18%), Google's Gemini (12%), Perplexity (9%), Grok from xAI (8%), and Claude and Monica (7% each). The findings come from a Semrush study surveying Brazilian activity, which also notes that ChatGPT's global reach has surpassed 1 billion users and grew far faster than Google in its early years. In search, however, only about 30% of ChatGPT interactions rely on traditional SEO features. Despite no imminent replacement for Google, AI-generated search results are expected to surpass traditional traffic by 2028. Advertisers increasingly want brand presence in ChatGPT responses or AIOs, since AI-driven results drive higher conversions.

Users migrate from ChatGPT to Gemini as Google's ecosystem tightens the loop

October 28, 2025, 9:44 AM EDT. Google's Gemini is closing the gap with ChatGPT in web traffic, rising to 12.9% of generative AI tool visits from 6.4%. ChatGPT remains dominant at about 74%, but its share has drifted down as competitors sharpen their pitches. The shift is strongest among users who live in Google's ecosystem: Gemini is threaded through Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar and Meet, enabling context from a Drive folder to draft a Gmail reply or plan a project in Docs with a single flow. Users praise Gemini for speed on quick-turn tasks–email drafting, paraphrasing, parsing spreadsheets, or extracting calendar dates. The value lies in micro-wins and frictionless workflows, rather than deep ideation.

OpenAI U-turn on ChatGPT erotic-content policy sparks scrutiny over safety and trust

October 28, 2025, 9:42 AM EDT. OpenAI is reversing a long-standing stance by allowing adults to engage in erotic conversations in ChatGPT, citing new safeguards around sensitive content. CEO Sam Altman says the move will enable "safe relaxations" after engineers mitigated mental-health risks, but the shift follows months of pushback from regulators and parents over dangerous or sexualized advice to minors. In a prior August interview, Altman defended avoiding a sex bot and emphasized staying aligned with users, a contrast that critics say undermines initial assurances of safety. OpenAI has since rolled out parental controls and a restricted teen version, while authorities probe safeguards. The company faces lawsuits alleging harmful guidance to teenagers, raising questions about how to balance openness, innovation, and child protection as policy evolves.

Xiaomi Android 16 Rollout Expands: Check If Your Device Qualifies

October 28, 2025, 9:40 AM EDT. Xiaomi has accelerated its Android 16 rollout across a wide range of devices from the Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco families, ahead of the upcoming HyperOS 3 launch. Eligible models include the flagship Xiaomi 15/15 Pro/15 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 series, various Redmi and Poco handsets, and several tablet lines-all compatible with future OS updates. The rollout is regional and staged, with some devices in other regions to receive updates in the coming weeks. The update emphasizes optimization and small feature enhancements rather than a radical UI change. To see if your device qualifies, check Settings > System updates or contact Xiaomi support; both 4G and 5G variants are supported where applicable.

Gemini Gains Ground on ChatGPT as Web Traffic Doubles, but Data Has Limitations

October 28, 2025, 9:36 AM EDT. New data from Similarweb show visits to gemini.google.com have doubled over the past year, with Gemini web traffic totaling about 12.9% of online generative AI tool traffic (up from 6.4%). By contrast, ChatGPT still dominates, at roughly 74% of chatbot web traffic, though its share has slipped from ~87% a year earlier. Google's Gemini benefits from being embedded in tools like AI Overviews and AI Mode, broadening reach beyond the standalone site. Analysts caution that Similarweb's measurements capture only visits to gemini.google.com, not total usage across Google's ecosystem, so a full picture requires app downloads and active users. Users praise Gemini for routine tasks and app integration, even as others excel in specialized domains.

Google Messages May Get a Trash Folder in Upcoming Update, Beta Hints Reveal

October 28, 2025, 9:32 AM EDT. Google Messages is reportedly adding a Trash folder, spotted in a beta build. The code references trashed_conversations and a trash_folder UI string, hinting at a feature that could mimic Gmail's Trash by holding deleted messages for about 30 days before permanent deletion. This would complement or replace the current immediate deletion (and the existing Archive option). At the moment, no UI surfaced, so the feature appears to be in early development. An APK teardown notes that such code-only previews don't guarantee a public release, and no timeline is known for when (or if) it'll ship.

Google Messages could restore deleted texts with a trash folder feature

October 28, 2025, 9:28 AM EDT. Google Messages may introduce a trash folder and trashed conversations, letting users recover deleted texts within a window similar to Gmail's 30 days. In the beta, strings hint at a reversible delete, replacing the current permanent delete behavior. If shipped, the feature would help recover messages accidentally deleted in a rush or during bulk deletions. Today, users can archive conversations, but a bin would add a true reclaim path with a limited retention window before permanent removal. The feature is in early development, with no timeline yet.

Xiaomi HyperOS 3 Expands to MIX Flip 2, Tablets, Wearables, and More

October 28, 2025, 9:26 AM EDT. Xiaomi has expanded HyperOS 3 beyond its initial launch to a broader lineup, including the MIX Flip 2, tablets, wearables, and TV devices. The update is rolling out in batches under the grayscale-to-full approach to ensure stability, with some models getting the official version first based on internal testing and scheduling. Users can monitor availability via Settings > About Phone > System Updates. The devices listed as receiving HyperOS 3 official versions include the MIX Flip 2, Civi 5 Pro, Redmi K80, Turbo 4 Pro/4, several Pad models (7 Ultra, 7S Pro 12.5, 7 Pro, 7, and Redmi K Pad), and multiple Xiaomi TV and Watch S4 variants. HyperConnect framework aims to unify smartphones, tablets, wearables, and TVs, focusing on performance, power saving, and interoperability within Xiaomi's "Human × Car × Home × AI" vision.

Skyworks in talks to buy Qorvo to form a $22B RF-chip giant for Apple and smartphone makers

October 28, 2025, 9:24 AM EDT. Skyworks Solutions is in talks to acquire rival Qorvo, aiming to create a roughly $22 billion combined company that supplies RF chips to Apple and other smartphone makers. The proposal values Qorvo at about $9.76 billion on a stock-and-cash basis, with shareholders receiving $32.50 in cash and 0.960 Skyworks shares per Qorvo share. The deal would expand Skyworks' footprint in wireless, analog, and mixed-signal components and could help offset near-term demand trends as Apple pursues in-house radio chips. The transaction faces antitrust scrutiny and isn't expected to close until early 2027. Skyworks would place its CEO as head of the combined company, while Qorvo's chief would join the board; Starboard Value's stake and activist pressure are noted background factors.

AI-Generated Game Concepts Trigger Massive Online Backlash in Gaming Community

October 28, 2025, 9:22 AM EDT. AI-generated game concepts triggered a massive online backlash as two demos were ratioed and flooded with negative comments. Critics across the gaming community united in their disdain, questioning the project's quality, originality, and monetization. Despite the creator framing the experiences as work-in-progress, the response highlighted concerns about AI-assisted game design. The piece notes reader reactions and points to social channels and newsletters for ongoing updates.

Melt Mouse rethinks drawing on tablets with 3-in-1 haptic precision

October 28, 2025, 9:20 AM EDT. Tokyo-based Diver-X unveils the Melt Mouse, a minimalist aluminium-and-glass gadget that rethinks the mouse for drawing tablets. Lacking traditional buttons, it uses a proprietary haptic feedback system to simulate clicks and taps across its glass surface. The device doubles as a precise mouse, a multi-touch trackpad, and a shortcut deck; a LED grid appears under the glass to map Photoshop, Premiere, or Procreate shortcuts via the Melt Studio app. With the MagSole base, users can swap between a high-friction control surface and a slick glide, offering tactile, almost analog feedback. It blends retro Apple-esque design with modern customization, promising a more tactile workflow for digital artists and tablet users.

Samsung Reintroduces 3D Capture with Camera Assistant for Galaxy XR

October 28, 2025, 9:18 AM EDT. Samsung has reintroduced the 3D capture feature in its Camera Assistant app, aligning with the launch of the new Galaxy XR mixed-reality headset. The update enhances the Galaxy camera experience by adding Auto Lens Switching and Adaptive Pixel for better low-light performance. Available on newer devices like the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7, the feature records 3D photos and 4K 30fps video to pair with XR immersive viewing. Users can download the update from the Galaxy Store; rollout may take a few days. Samsung also offers a promotional deal via affiliate links including a $50 Amazon gift card and a $25 Google Play gift card.

3 Reasons to Bet on Alphabet as an Under-the-Radar Quantum Computing Stock

October 28, 2025, 9:16 AM EDT. Alphabet (GOOG) is pitched as an under-the-radar quantum computing play with two strong advantages. 1) It's a leader in quantum computing, highlighted by Google's Willow chip, which ran a verifiable algorithm on a 105-qubit system, reportedly 13,000x faster than a classical computer. 2) It has massive cash reserves and robust free cash flow-roughly $66 billion over the last year-allowing deep investment into quantum research alongside AI data centers. This scale could enable Alphabet to outpace pure-play rivals (IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave) in the coming years. While the article promises three reasons to own Alphabet, the data here point to leadership in the field and financial firepower as core advantages for a quantum exposure within Alphabet's broader tech ecosystem.

DJI Faces U.S. Legal Hurdles After DoD Keeps Company on Chinese Military List

October 28, 2025, 9:14 AM EDT. DJI remains under pressure as the U.S. Department of Defense maintains its inclusion of the drone maker on a list of Chinese military companies. A federal judge, Judge Paul Friedman, upheld the decision, citing evidence that DJI's technology supports China's defense industrial base, despite the company's claims that its drones are for civilian use. The ruling also references modified DJI drones used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bolstering the perception of military applicability and undermining DJI's policy that prohibits military use. Beyond the court decision, DJI faces reputational and financial headwinds and a potential U.S. sales ban absent a national security finding. The company says it is not owned or controlled by the Chinese military and is weighing legal options amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

North Dakota Legislature develops AI tool to auto-summarize bills for 2027 session

October 28, 2025, 9:04 AM EDT. North Dakota's Legislative Council is developing an AI tool to draft bill summaries for the 2027 session, aiming to save lawmakers time. The nonpartisan agency is training a model to generate summaries of passed bills, a task currently done by its legal team for about 600 bills per session, and to prepare summaries for proposed bills and amendments during session. Early estimates suggest the tool could dramatically reduce review time, as Senior Legal Division Director Emily Thompson notes the team spends easily 100 hours reviewing title summaries after each session. The project uses Meta's Llama 3.2 1b Instruct as its base and is trained on North Dakota bill summaries from 2019, 2021 and 2023 via the Unsloth program, with ongoing comparisons to human drafts to improve accuracy.

Amazon layoffs, Qualcomm's AI chips and Powell successor finalists – Morning Squawk

October 28, 2025, 9:02 AM EDT. Amazon is cutting 14,000 jobs in what could be its largest corporate layoff, impacting nearly every unit as it shifts to a leaner operation and AI-driven productivity. CEO Andy Jassy has suggested the workforce could shrink with AI. Separately, Qualcomm unveiled AI accelerators-the AI200 and AI250-slated for 2026-2027, aiming to challenge Nvidia/AMD with energy efficiency and lower operating costs; the stock jumped about 11%. In policy/markets, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says five finalists remain to succeed Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a note that adds policy-tilt context as investors eye leadership. Morning Squawk highlights these moves as markets hover near all-time highs amid intensifying AI hardware competition.

Apple's 2027 iPad Pro to feature vapor chamber cooling and M6 on 2-nm process

October 28, 2025, 8:58 AM EDT. Apple is developing a new vapor chamber cooling system for the iPad Pro, targeting a spring 2027 launch to support a forthcoming M6 chip on a 2-nanometer process. The cooling tech, already used in this year's iPhone 17 Pro, would enable longer gaming, video editing, and AI tasks without fans, widening the gap between the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. The plan fits Apple's cadence and marketing of premium power users. Bloomberg also notes an upcoming Maps ads rollout next year. The rumored foldable iPad remains on hold, with a potential launch pushed to at least 2029 due to technical and cost hurdles.

Europe to merge Airbus, Leonardo and Thales satellite units into new 'Bromo' to rival Starlink

October 28, 2025, 8:56 AM EDT. European giants Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have agreed to merge their satellite manufacturing and services units to form a new company codenamed Bromo. The deal would consolidate Airbus Defence and Space's Space Systems and Space Digital arms, Leonardo's Space Division, and Thales' stakes in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Thales SESO. The venture, potentially operational in two years subject to regulatory approvals, would employ about 25,000 people with a turnover around €6.5 billion. Ownership would be 35% for Airbus, and 32.5% for both Leonardo and Thales. The aim is to compete globally with Starlink and bolster European autonomy in space infrastructure and services. The merger requires consultation with employee representatives and awaits final regulatory clearance, with executives stressing Europe's strategic industrial and technological asset goals.

Adobe launches AI assistants for Express and Photoshop with new Moonlight project and third-party model support

October 28, 2025, 8:54 AM EDT. Adobe unveils AI assistants for its Express and Photoshop apps, introducing a dedicated assistant mode in Express that accepts text prompts for image creation while preserving traditional editing tools. The Photoshop assistant, currently in closed beta, lives in the sidebar and can auto-select objects, create masks, and automate repetitive tasks like background removal and color changes. Adobe also teased Project Moonlight to coordinate multiple tools and feed creators' styles from social channels, and potential ChatGPT integration via OpenAI's API. New Creative Cloud features include third-party models for generative fill (Gemini 2.5, FLUX.1 Kontext) and an AI object mask in Premiere Pro.

Adobe Express debuts AI Assistant to edit designs with natural-language prompts

October 28, 2025, 8:52 AM EDT. Adobe is rolling out an AI Assistant in Express, a conversational helper that can interpret vague, multi-step prompts to edit or create designs. In public beta, you toggle it in the top-left of the web app, swapping to a chatbot that surfaces presets like 'fall-themed wedding invitation' or 'retro-inspired poster' from description. The assistant can edit specific parts-backgrounds, fonts, or layers-while leaving the rest intact, sourcing assets from Adobe's Font and stock libraries or generating new images with Firefly. You can craft an entire design with the AI or switch back to manual editing. It supports resizing, reformatting, and animations, and Adobe plans broader AI integrations across Acrobat, Photoshop, and even third-party apps like ChatGPT for seamless cross-app work.

PayPal to Embed Digital Wallet in ChatGPT, Expanding AI-Powered Commerce

October 28, 2025, 8:48 AM EDT. PayPal is partnering with OpenAI to embed its digital wallet inside ChatGPT, letting users complete purchases directly from the chat interface. Shoppers will see a button labeled buy with PayPal and can pay from linked bank accounts, cards, or PayPal balances, with purchase protections and tracking. Merchants using PayPal will have their products listed within ChatGPT, and PayPal will handle the payments behind the scenes, simplifying checkout for buyers. The move signals a broader push into AI-powered commerce and expands OpenAI's enterprise tools for employers. Financially, PayPal raised its full-year earnings guidance to $5.35-$5.39 per share and introduced a quarterly dividend of 14 cents. Third-quarter revenue rose 7% to $8.4B, with total payment volume of $458.1B, up 8% year over year.

DJI's Romo robot vacuums bring drone-grade navigation to home floors – Europe-only rollout

October 28, 2025, 8:46 AM EDT. DJI is rolling out its Romo line of robot vacuums outside China for Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Italy) but skipping the US this round. The three-model family – Romo P, A, and S – ranges from €1,299 to €1,899. They pack drone-inspired navigation: millimeter-level obstacle sensing with dual fisheye cameras and solid-state LiDAR, real-time recognition of cords, table legs, and pets, plus AI path planning that mirrors DJI's mapping tech. The Romo app lets you set cleaning zones, no-go areas, and view live maps. The base station washes mop pads and flushes debris, keeping the system running for up to 200 days. A notable pivot for DJI: ground robots that leverage drone DNA, even as US shoppers wait.

Tuesday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Amazon, Reddit, Nokia, Domino's, NextEra and more

October 28, 2025, 8:44 AM EDT. Tuesday's batch of analyst calls spans tech, energy and consumer names. Wells Fargo initiates Vistra Energy at Overweight, citing position within the IPP/utility space. Deutsche Bank reiterates Reddit as Buy, highlighting a refocused growth strategy and partnerships with publishers. Mizuho initiates Domino's Pizza at Outperform, noting Q4 visibility and SSS momentum. Goldman Sachs starts Q.WI (Qnity) as Buy. Wells Fargo adds NextEra Energy as Overweight, saying the diversified mix supports premium earnings. UBS upgrades Upwork to Buy; Jefferies lifts Nokia to Buy. Baird reiterates Apple as Outperform; UBS repeats Amazon as Buy; Citi initiates Gold Fields as Buy.

TD Cowen: Apple iPhone Air Production Unchanged for 2025

October 28, 2025, 8:42 AM EDT. A new note from TD Cowen to investors on October 26 says Apple isn't reducing iPhone Air production for 2025. The forecast remains 3 million units in Q3 2025 and 7 million in Q4 2025, while the overall iPhone 17 lineup is projected at 54 million for Q3 and 79 million for Q4. This counters earlier claims that the Air could be entering end-of-production or a cutback phase. The report highlights that even if Air production shifts, demand could still favor Pro models at launch, with Apple adjusting outputs accordingly. The situation reflects ongoing market demand and internal planning rather than an outright cancellation.

6 Health and Fitness Features on the Apple Watch You Might Be Missing to Stay Fit Every Day

October 28, 2025, 8:40 AM EDT. Apple Watch users can unlock a suite of built-in health tools that go beyond steps. The Health app stores critical data in your Medical ID, while watchOS updates add power-user features like Live Activity for cyclists, mood tracking, and outdoor light exposure monitoring. With watchOS 26, hypertension alerts and a redesigned Workout app help you manage wellness data more easily. Get started by updating your device, then explore: 1) Access Your Health Profile via Medical ID for emergencies; 2) Record and customize workouts, including guided sessions from Fitness+; 3) Use Compass Waypoints for safer hikes with offline maps; 4) Track cycling in real time with Live Activity; and more proactive health insights across heart rate, ECG, and activity goals.

ChatGPT Global Share Falls to 74% as Gemini and Perplexity Gain Ground; AI Brain Rot Risks Highlight Data Quality

October 28, 2025, 8:38 AM EDT. New data from Similarweb's Global AI Tracker shows ChatGPT's global traffic share slipping to 74.1%, down from 87.1% a year earlier and 76.4% last month, as rivals such as Google's Gemini (up to 12.9%) and Perplexity AI (now 2.4%) gain ground. Other players-Claude and Grok-hover around 2.0%, while Copilot remains at 1.2%, and DeepSeek sits at 3.7%. The report attributes Gemini's momentum to integrations with Google Search and Android. In parallel, researchers warn of potential brain rot in LLMs exposed to low-quality data, underscoring the long-term importance of data quality for training and model reliability. Altogether, the findings reflect intensifying competition and the rising focus on data integrity in the AI tools market.

Louisiana boy burns from tablet charger sparks safety warnings about charging in bed

October 28, 2025, 8:36 AM EDT. A Louisiana family warns about the dangers of charging devices in bed after a tablet charger sparked and burned a 9-year-old boy. Ashtyn's necklace got tangled with the charger, causing a loud bang, burns on his neck and hand, and hospitalization. Experts from the NFPA caution against charging under a pillow or on a bed and urge only using the cord designed for your device. The mother's interview highlights the reality of these incidents and stresses safety for families to prevent burns and other injuries from tablets and chargers.

Price Drop Alert: Save Up to 60% on Samsung Galaxy Smartwatches

October 28, 2025, 8:32 AM EDT. Don't miss the massive price drop on Samsung Galaxy smartwatches. This deal makes the feature-packed lineup more affordable, from the Galaxy Watch6 Classic with LTE, BP and ECG tracking, to the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra with a 3nm processor, sapphire glass, and long battery life. The Watch8 Classic offers AI-powered fitness insights, a bright Super AMOLED display, and durable build. Expect GPS, fast charging, and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration that keeps you connected. With IP68 water resistance and wellness features like advanced sleep coaching, these watches blend style and function for everyday wear. Act quickly-these discounts won't last and stocks may run out.

Amazon to cut 14,000 jobs as it leans into AI to boost efficiency

October 28, 2025, 8:30 AM EDT. Amazon confirms it will cut about 14,000 corporate jobs as it shifts toward AI-powered tools to lower its wage bill and boost efficiency. CEO Andy Jassy has highlighted that AI investments will help the company run more like a startup, continuing a broader push to automate operations. Senior VP Beth Galetti told workers that the move aims to keep the company competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. The company describes this generation of AI as the most transformative since the Internet, enabling faster innovation in existing markets and new business lines. This is breaking news and will be updated.

Adobe unveils Project Moonlight: an AI social media conductor uniting Creative Cloud apps

October 28, 2025, 8:28 AM EDT. Adobe is integrating an AI assistant into its Firefly platform called Project Moonlight, a centralized creative director for social campaigns. The bot ingests your social channels and Creative Cloud library to brainstorm and edit content in your voice, coordinating across apps like Photoshop, Premiere, and Lightroom. Features include context-aware creative intelligence, conversational creation, and data-driven growth strategies. Users describe ideas, and Moonlight orchestrates images, videos, and posts that align with your style. It connects to social accounts to analyze performance, surface trends, and craft content plans. A private beta will launch for waitlisted users in coming months.

Adobe Launches YouTube Shorts Partnership and New AI Tools Suite for Creators

October 28, 2025, 8:26 AM EDT. Adobe unveiled a wave of AI tools and a YouTube Shorts partnership at MAX 2025. The flagship is Firefly, with Prompt to Edit and Firefly Boards (2D to 3D ideation), plus beta tools like Generate Soundtrack and Generate Speech. A Firefly video editor enters private beta for a web-based multitrack workflow. In Creative Cloud, Photoshop gains Generative Fill; the suite adds Gemini 2.5 and FLUX.1 Kontext for content prompts. Public beta tools include Premiere Pro AI Object Mask and Lightroom Assisted Culling. Adobe also announced a Create for YouTube Shorts integration letting editors publish from Premiere to Shorts and publish templates. An AI Assistant is coming to Adobe Express and Photoshop, and Project Moonlight coordinates AI across apps.

Google's Ruth Porat: Unlock AI upside by rethinking every process

October 28, 2025, 8:24 AM EDT. Ruth Porat, Alphabet and Google's president and chief investment officer, argues we are at two speeds: rapid breakthroughs and slower AI adoption. To unlock AI's upside, she says it requires a fundamental rethink of every process across governments and businesses, not just experimenting with chatbots. The guidance comes as Porat engages with policymakers and regulators on how AI reshapes the economy and the U.S. position globally. At the Fortune Global Forum, she joined other leaders who emphasize end-to-end AI-driven improvements, greater trust in partnerships, and the need for substantial investment in skills and infrastructure. The human element remains essential, and responsible AI is key to ensuring the benefits are widespread, from productivity gains to new kinds of work.

Censys Launches Internet Intelligence to Accelerate SOC Triage and Incident Response

October 28, 2025, 8:22 AM EDT. Censys launches a new Internet Intelligence offering designed to help Security Operations Center (SOC) teams accelerate alert triage, reduce mean time to triage (MTTT), and speed up incident response. The service provides near real-time and historical visibility into all Internet-facing assets, enabling analysts to enrich context, validate threat intelligence, and access Censys-curated adversary infrastructure. By delivering comprehensive Internet visibility across 65,535 ports and 200+ protocols, plus WHOIS, ASN, TLS metadata, and service labels, the platform strengthens triage prioritization and investigation workflows. It also augments stale feeds with validated adversary data (C2, RATs, phishing kits, botnets) and offers historical snapshots to trace attacker activity. In short, it enhances SOC efficiency and IR outcomes through internet intelligence and adversary data.

Should I Give My Kid a Smartphone? 7 Parents Share How They Decided

October 28, 2025, 8:20 AM EDT. Parents grapple with when to give their kids a smartphone. Seven families with children aged 7-14 share how they balance independence and safety, school policies, and data/privacy concerns. Strategies include using Apple Watches and iPads with careful limits, setting screen-time rules, enabling parental controls, and creating check-ins so kids can show they've arrived or are on their way. The stories reveal trade-offs between staying connected and avoiding online risks, the importance of ongoing conversations about privacy and mental health, and what they wish they'd done differently. The takeaway: start early with clear expectations, tailor devices to age, and adjust rules as kids grow, all while prioritizing communication and a sense of trust over total control.

Standard Economics raises $9M seed to bring cross-border payments to the unbanked with the Uno app

October 28, 2025, 8:18 AM EDT. Standard Economics, a startup building a global platform for cross-border payments and access to stablecoins, has raised $9 million in seed funding led by Paradigm, with participation from Lightspeed and other investors. The team aims to launch Uno, an iOS/Android app, starting in Mexico and expanding to Argentina and the Philippines, to provide free remittances and banking tools for the unbanked. Co-founders include Evan Jones (ex-X, xAI), Payam Abedi (CTO, ex-X), and Tyler Carnevale (COO, ex-SpaceX/X). The startup seeks to simplify money movement globally and use stablecoins to give users access to US dollars. They note competition from existing local apps, but plan a universal, multi-country experience with an approach likened to bringing Starlink for money.

DJI's Romo Robot Vacuum Lands with Premium Pricing and AI Smarts

October 28, 2025, 8:16 AM EDT. DJI enters the robot-vacuum space with the Romo lineup-S, A, and P-priced from €1,299 to €1,899. The premium trio ships a self-emptying base, mopping and deodorising, and millimeter-level obstacle sensing powered by AI. Using solid-state LiDAR and dual fisheye vision sensors, the Romo aims to map and navigate homes while avoiding cables and even playing cards. The Romo P adds a fully-transparent body and an extra deodoriser compartment; all models share 25,000 Pa suction, a 164 ml water tank, a self-cleaning station, and 55 W charging for a 2.5-hour return to duty. DJI hasn't confirmed global rollout beyond Europe, leaving South Africa and other regions in limbo.

Amazon plans to cut around 14,000 corporate jobs, blaming AI

October 28, 2025, 8:02 AM EDT. Amazon plans to trim roughly 14,000 corporate roles as part of a broader efficiency push. The company says the move is aimed at reducing bureaucracy and reallocating resources to its biggest bets, while hinting more cuts could come as it leans into automation, robotics, and AI. Senior executive Beth Galetti told employees that most staff will have 90 days to seek internal opportunities, with the note emphasizing that this generation of AI is transforming business. CEO Andy Jassy also positioned generative AI as both a driver of efficiency and a strategic direction for products and services. The layoff batch is smaller than earlier rumors of 30,000 jobs.

iOS 26 Fitness Update Lets You Create Custom Apple Watch Workouts on iPhone

October 28, 2025, 7:46 AM EDT. With iOS 26, the Fitness app gains a new Workouts feature that lets iPhone users design custom training sessions-without tapping the watch. The new Workout menu (including a Custom filter) supports naming workouts, defining run/walk intervals, warm-up and cooldowns, and even adding music and targets. You access it in Fitness by tapping Workouts, selecting an activity, tapping the timer icon, and choosing Custom; you can create a brand-new routine with the plus sign. The post also mentions sharing workouts with friends and family. For Apple Watch users, this makes cross-device customization easier, while AirPods Pro 3 can support heart rate sensors during workouts. Overall, a welcome improvement to the Fitness app workflow on iPhone with iOS 26.

Google Pixel Watch (2022) ends guaranteed support with final update

October 28, 2025, 7:44 AM EDT. Google's first Pixel Watch (2022) receives its final software update, BW1A.251005.003.W1, keeping it on Wear OS 5.1 (Android 15) with only security updates and bug fixes. The update marks the end of guaranteed system and security support, though Play Store app updates will continue for a while. The original Pixel Watch won't receive Wear OS 6 or Android 16 upgrades, a privilege reserved for newer models. Three years of updates have delivered two major version jumps-Wear OS 4 and 5.1-alongside performance and battery tweaks. Google notes this is the farewell patch, but users will still get app and service updates through the Play Store to keep essential functions usable longer. For now, install the patch when it hits your device.

IonQ vs Nvidia: Is Quantum Computing the Next Big AI Stock?

October 28, 2025, 7:40 AM EDT. IonQ's CEO argues that quantum processing units could eventually replace GPUs in accelerated computing, signaling a potential long-term disruption to the AI stack. But Nvidia remains the AI market leader, with a data-center capex path heading toward trillions in spending by 2030 and a dominant GPU moat. The piece weighs whether IonQ can catch up before 2030-2035, noting most quantum firms expect meaningful sales later in the decade, and competitors like Rigetti see a TAM in the tens of billions by 2035. Until quantum tech matures, Nvidia's scale and AI infrastructure pullback risk keep it central near-term, while IonQ remains a high-growth, high-uncertainty play.

Federating Europe's Earth Observation Ground Segment: DOMINO-E Demonstrates Federated Mission Planning and Data Delivery

October 28, 2025, 7:38 AM EDT. Europe's EO ground segment is evolving through the DOMINO-E PoC, which federates mission planning, communication management, and user interfaces into a single, resilient ecosystem. The Coverage Service, developed by Onera, Capgemini, and Airbus, coordinates multi-mission planning in a Kubernetes cloud, delivering optimized coverage with efficiencies over 95% and reduced planning latency (~40%) compared with isolated setups. The SCRMS, by ITTI and Airbus, acts as the intelligent intermediary between satellites and ground stations, dynamically allocating contacts, balancing demand and cost, and showing resilience against disruptive conditions. The federation demonstrates how shared interfaces and centralized orchestration can prevent missed observation windows, lower operational risk, and streamline EO services, paving the way for a more scalable, interoperable European EO infrastructure.

AI-generated hurricane videos surge on TikTok as Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica

October 28, 2025, 7:36 AM EDT. BBC Verify reports that dozens of AI-generated hurricane videos are circulating on TikTok as Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica. The clips have racked up millions of views, with searches returning a mix of AI footage and older storm clips. Some carry explicit AI watermarks from generators like OpenAI's Sora, while others blur or remove marks to mislead. Examples include a clip of sharks in flooded streets and a view of the storm's eye from a plane-often accompanied by misleading captions. One clip appears similar to footage from the U.S. Air Force Reserve's "Hurricane Hunters" and has been debunked. Others show a group fleeing a wave, with a small VEO watermark indicating Google's text-to-video tool. TikTok has removed over two dozen AI hurricane videos, but fake clips persist. BBC Verify has sought comment from TikTok.

Skyroot Aerospace targets India's first private commercial rocket launch

October 28, 2025, 7:34 AM EDT. Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, backed by Temasek and GIC, is aiming for India's first private commercial rocket launch by January, three years after space sector liberalization. The company plans one launch every three months next year and one per month from 2027, with an expected revenue around $5 million per mission against about $2-3 million rocket costs and an 8-9 month build time. CEO Pawan Chandana says early launches will include paying satellite customers, enabling domestic satellite deployment for government bodies and commercial clients, at lower costs and without long global wait times. SpaceX remains a benchmark but has long waitlists; SSLV targets a different client base. Skyroot has raised about $95.5 million since 2018, underscoring India's push to privatize its space sector and expand private launch access.

iPhone 17 series: Siri 2.0 targets a 2026 rollout with three core capabilities

October 28, 2025, 7:32 AM EDT. Apple's iPhone 17 series is expected to finally bring a rebuilt Siri 2.0 in early 2026 with iOS 26.4, after delays with the iPhone 16 lineup. The AI-powered assistant is reportedly rebuilt from the ground up, focusing on three core capabilities: cross-app actions that let Siri perform tasks across apps; on-screen actions and real-time context using Visual Intelligence to interpret the current screen; and enhanced natural language understanding and multi-step reasoning to handle complex prompts. If delivered smoothly, Siri 2.0 could Rival rivals like Google's Gemini on Pixel and Samsung devices, offering a more seamless, voice-first experience. Apple has not yet confirmed timing, but rollout is anticipated in mid-2026 alongside iOS 26.4.

Gen Z Uses AI to Skip Meetings, Get Promoted, and Earn More-Yet Worries About Job Security

October 28, 2025, 7:28 AM EDT. Gen Z is quietly reshaping work culture by leaning on AI for meeting notes, with three in ten skipping meetings and 19% using AI to generate notes. Those who rely on AI are about 28% more likely to be promoted and earn roughly $20,000 more annually, but 41% say they miss important context. Hybrid workers lead AI use (26%), and technology sectors are most active (32%). On the business side, AI note-taking can free time and boost participation, yet concerns about security persist: 52% of Gen Z fear replacement by those with stronger AI skills, and 24% of 18-34s rate their job-loss worry high. Leaders also flag Gen Z as highly vulnerable to AI-driven displacement, underscoring a paradox: faster career gains vs. long-term value and security.

Ex-Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger launches Christian AI with $110M; hasten the return of Christ

October 28, 2025, 7:26 AM EDT. Patrick Gelsinger, after leaving Intel and facing a shareholder suit, now leads Gloo, a 'faith ecosystem' tech company that builds AI tools for churches and ministry teams. The venture aims to embed Christian values in software, supported by a $110m fundraising war chest and plans to extend influence in Silicon Valley, Congress, and beyond. Gelsinger says his life mission is to use technology to improve the quality of life for all and hasten Christ's return. Gloo claims over 140,000 faith, ministry, and nonprofit leaders as users, while the broader AI world boasts hundreds of millions of weekly users. The story highlights a rising faith-tech culture in Silicon Valley and the policy implications of aligning AI with religious beliefs, governance, and innovation.

Google Pixel Watch 3 drops to $199.99 on Amazon

October 28, 2025, 7:24 AM EDT. Want a solid smartwatch deal? The Google Pixel Watch 3 is down to $199.99 on Amazon (was $299.99). This four-star wearable offers strong health and fitness features, a sleek build, and strong Wear OS optimization. Our reviewer, Jacob Krul, says it's one of the best-looking smartwatches around. The $100 discount marks a new all-time low, and with Black Friday uncertainty, now is a great time to buy. In our in-depth review, it's described as well-rounded and competitive with other smartwatches. If you own a Pixel phone, you'll get the best experience, though it works with most Android devices. For Apple users, check out other Apple Watch deals; runners may prefer Garmin.

Foxconn to Invest NT$42 Billion in AI Computing Equipment to Expand Cloud and Smart Platforms

October 28, 2025, 7:18 AM EDT. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn) has won board approval for a self-financed NT$42 billion investment to purchase AI computing equipment for a new supercomputing center, expanding its cloud computing capabilities and accelerating its three platforms: smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicles, and smart cities. The rollout will span about a year, starting in December. Chairman Young Liu said AI applications are just beginning and will reach many industries. Hon Hai has been building AI infrastructure, including a traditional Chinese LLM for its platforms, and in May partnered with Nvidia to create an AI factory center in Taiwan. It also plans to deploy Nvidia's 800 VDC data center architecture at its K-1 AI data center in Kaohsiung as a model site.

Elon Musk launches Grokipedia, an AI-powered Wikipedia rival, amid rocky rollout

October 28, 2025, 7:12 AM EDT. Elon Musk unveiled Grokipedia, an AI-powered encyclopedia tied to xAI's Grok, pitched as a less biased alternative to Wikipedia. The early version, labeled 0.1, briefly crashed before returning online, with a promise that version 1.0 will be 10X better. Grokipedia reportedly logs hundreds of thousands of articles, but appears to be AI-generated rather than community-edited. Musk framed the project as part of his broader anti-woke AI push, following a suggestion from David Sacks. Critics note that Grokipedia often cites Wikipedia as a source, while the Wikimedia Foundation says it's still learning how the system works. The rollout highlights Musk's effort to embed Grok across X and related services, even as questions about bias, accuracy, and sustainability linger.

Amazon cuts 14,000 corporate jobs as AI push accelerates; total may reach 30,000

October 28, 2025, 7:10 AM EDT. Amazon said it will cut about 14,000 corporate roles this year to accelerate adoption of AI and position for faster innovation. The cuts could total up to around 30,000, according to Reuters. CEO Andy Jassy and SVP of People Beth Galetti say a leaner, fewer-layered structure with more ownership will help the company move faster as generative AI advances. Most affected employees get 90 days to find internal roles; others receive severance. With more than 350,000 corporate staff, the action represents roughly 5% of the workforce. Amazon will hire in key strategic areas while trimming roles elsewhere, signaling a broader tech policy to operate like the world's biggest startup amid rapid AI change.

PayPal to Embed Wallet in ChatGPT, Enabling In-Chat Purchases

October 28, 2025, 7:08 AM EDT. PayPal and OpenAI have sealed a deal to embed PayPal's digital wallet into ChatGPT, enabling users to complete purchases directly within the AI tool starting next year. The integration lets both PayPal buyers and merchants list inventory, with merchant routing and payment validation handled behind the scenes. PayPal says users will gain protections such as package tracking and dispute resolution, and can pay using linked banks, cards, or stored balances via the Buy with PayPal button on ChatGPT. The move positions PayPal as the payments backbone for the coming era of agentic AI shopping, expanding its reach across OpenAI's vast user base. PayPal also plans to broaden OpenAI enterprise AI usage for its own employees.

Amazon to lay off about 14,000 corporate workers as it doubles down on AI investments

October 28, 2025, 7:06 AM EDT. Amazon has announced laying off about 14,000 corporate employees as it shifts toward leaner operations while ramping up investments in generative AI and other AI initiatives. The company says the cuts aim to reduce bureaucracy and speed decision-making, part of a broader effort that CNBC and Reuters described as potentially the largest corporate layoff in its history. With roughly 350,000 corporate and tech staff, the 14,000 reductions represent about 4%. Amazon says more layoffs are possible next year even as it continues to hire in key strategic areas. CEO Andy Jassy has said the company will need fewer people in some roles and more in others as it treats the business like a startup and commits about $100B to AI development this year.

Judge Reverses Class Action Status in Apple App Store Monopoly Case

October 28, 2025, 7:02 AM EDT. In Oakland, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers decertified a sweeping class action accusing Apple of monopolizing the iPhone app market through the App Store, reversing her February 2024 ruling that certified tens of millions of users. The court said plaintiffs failed to prove classwide injury and damages in one stroke, noting insufficient linkage between Apple accounts and individual consumers and errors that could exclude harmed users. Apple presented an expert report describing data flaws, including a duplicate entry where named Pepper and Rob Pepper appeared as separate people and the grouping of more than 40,000 payments under the first name Kim. Plaintiffs' counsel said they are evaluating options; Apple contends the App Store remains a safe, trusted platform. The suit, filed in 2011, had previously been pegged for potential billions in damages. Source: Reuters.

An AI Adoption Riddle: Why Aren't Firms Pulling Back Amid Mixed Signals

October 28, 2025, 6:50 AM EDT. An anecdote about chasing AI spending amid headlines of a bubble and underwhelming progress. Despite fears after GPT-5's release, a report claiming 95% of generative-AI pilots fail, and market jitters, no firms publicly admit dialing back. The piece weighs interpretations: a genuine bubble, or the idea that few industries are truly sensitive yet, or that AI's rapid advance masks longer horizons. Martha Gimbel of the Yale Budget Lab argues AI effects may unfold slowly, not instantly changing jobs. Executives say pilots fail for strategic reasons-data quality, timing, and scope-not the tech itself. Some firms have paused but not pivoted, suggesting the industry remains cautiously optimistic even as headlines warn of risk.

Nothing, Mumsnet and SafetyMode launch safety-first 'Other Phone' for kids

October 28, 2025, 6:46 AM EDT. Mumsnet, the UK's largest online community of parents, has launched a safety-first smartphone for children called Other Phone, in partnership with Nothing and SafetyMode. Installed on Nothing hardware and powered by SafetyMode software, the device offers remote management, letting parents control apps, content, location and screen time from anywhere. SafetyMode filters bullying, explicit content and nudges parents about risky messages across major apps including WhatsApp and social platforms. The minimalist, list-style home screen aims to reduce addictive use. As children grow, parents can gradually unlock features instead of buying a new device. Mumsnet notes high parental concern about screen time and mental health, underscoring the product's practical safety focus.

Nvidia DGX Spark Falls Short: Carmack & Hannun Report 100W Draw, 60 TFLOPS

October 28, 2025, 6:44 AM EDT. Tech veterans John Carmack and Awni Hannun report Nvidia's DGX Spark is not meeting its claimed performance. Carmack says the unit stalls at about 100W-well below its 240W rating-delivering roughly 60 TFLOPS of BF16, far under expectations. Reports of heat and a potential spontaneous reboot worry users about reliability. Apple AI researcher Hannun echoes the concern, noting benchmark results fall short of Nvidia's sparse FP4 claims. Nvidia touts up to 1 PF Sparse FP4 and up to 2x gains from sparsity, but dense workloads reportedly halve performance and offset the sparsity advantage. Critics question whether Nvidia's sparsity-based specs are misleading, highlighting a gap between marketing and real-world use. The discussion continues on OC3D Forums as developers weigh premium expectations against observed power, heat, and stability.

Google Pixel Feature Drop may bring theme packs, GIFs and VIP notifications

October 28, 2025, 6:42 AM EDT. The next Pixel Feature Drop could land on November 4 and introduce theme packs that apply wallpapers, icons, GIFs, and sounds with a single tap. Leaks from Mystic Leaks (via 9to5Google) show theme packs, custom animations, and prioritized notifications. New GIFs/animated stickers from images or Pixel Studio are also teased, along with upgrades to the Pixel VIPs feature that highlight messages from designated contacts in yellow, with status bar photos (for WhatsApp and Google Messages). If true, this would offer a substantial customization and communication boost ahead of Android 16 QPR2. As always, treat leaks with caution until Google confirms details.

AI Boom Catapults Markets, Raising Fears of a Bubble

October 28, 2025, 6:34 AM EDT. As the AI boom reshapes markets, funding floods into AI chips, software and startups, driving spectacular valuations and spiking volatility. The surge mirrors past tech rallies but also stokes fear of a bubble as investors chase hype, not profit. Analysts note demand for compute, datasets and tools is real, yet discuss risks from over-investment, funding cycles, and regulatory scrutiny. The article weighs signals from earnings, deployment milestones, and capital allocation, urging readers to separate hype from adoption. AI boom markets bubble valuations startups chips regulation profitability

AI Algorithms on Streaming Platforms Limit Access, Says Media Exec

October 28, 2025, 6:32 AM EDT. Jyoti Deshpande, a film producer and Reliance Industries executive, argues that AI-powered algorithms on streaming platforms aren't just shaping recommendations-they can restrict access. She warns of algorithm blind spots that hide international or niche titles from certain audiences, potentially hobbling studios trying to reach diverse markets. Deshpande points to Laapataa Ladies, nominated for the Oscars, which wasn't readily accessible in the United Kingdom despite heavy promotion. While platforms implement local-for-local strategies, she says discovery remains uneven across geographies. The debate raises questions about distribution and transparency, urging major players like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple to make content more discoverable to a truly global audience rather than prioritizing domestic reach at the expense of international titles.

Pixel Watch Final Update Ends Official 3-Year Support

October 28, 2025, 6:26 AM EDT. Google released the final software update for the original Pixel Watch in October 2025, concluding its promised three years of updates since the 2022 launch. The update delivers minor security patches and bug fixes, but does not upgrade to Wear OS 6. The original Pixel Watch debuted as Google's entry into the smartwatch market, and Google committed to operating system upgrades, security enhancements, and feature additions for three years. The October 2025 release, BW1A.251005.003.W1, marks the end of official support for the first generation, with Google unlikely to issue major updates beyond occasional patches. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 receive Wear OS 6 along with new features like auto-launch for Google Maps and enhanced safety options.

Fortune Tech: Qualcomm's AI chips spark rally as Amazon cuts jobs and poker-tech intrigue unfolds

October 28, 2025, 6:24 AM EDT. Fortune Tech highlights: The DOJ charged 31 people in a poker-rigging case featuring high-tech gear-card shufflers that read decks, special contact lenses to see backs of cards, chip-tray analyzers, and even an x-ray table. Separately, Amazon plans to cut about 30,000 jobs as AI-driven automation reshapes staffing and cloud strategy. In chips, Qualcomm shares jumped ~15% after unveiling AI200 and AI250 aimed at data centers and generative AI inference, putting it in the AI chip race with Nvidia and AMD. The broader theme: AI-led growth and cost discipline reshaping tech business and markets.

Amazon to reduce ~14,000 roles, prioritizes internal mobility and transition support

October 28, 2025, 6:18 AM EDT. Amazon announces an overall workforce reduction of approximately 14,000 roles, with selective hiring in other areas to balance the impact. The company will give most employees up to 90 days to pursue internal opportunities, and recruiting teams will prioritize internal candidates to help as many people as possible stay with Amazon. For those who cannot or will not seek internal roles, Amazon will provide transition support including severance pay, outplacement services, health insurance benefits, and more, aiming to support affected teammates as the business stays nimble and continues to strengthen.

Tesla's Board Reverses Course, Backs Musk's $1 Trillion Pay Package

October 28, 2025, 6:16 AM EDT. Tesla's board has shifted its stance, moving from caution to active advocacy for Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion compensation plan. Facing investor questions and governance scrutiny, directors are reframing the package as a performance-driven incentive aligned with long-term value creation. The structure reportedly ties milestones to market capitalization, revenue growth, and operational milestones, with a heavy emphasis on long vesting alongside sustained leadership impact. Critics argue the plan risks outsized payouts relative to returns, while supporters say Musk's vision and execution warrant bold incentives. By taking a public position, the board aims to restore confidence, clarify accountability, and signal confidence in execution timelines. The move underscores ongoing debates over executive pay, governance, and the alignment of pay with shareholder interests.

Most space launches are controlled by three countries as global spaceport bottleneck grows

October 28, 2025, 6:10 AM EDT. Global space launches are increasingly concentrated among a few nations. As of 2023, more than 85 countries have space programs, but only about a dozen run active spaceports, leaving many nations dependent on the U.S., China, Russia, and France to carry out launches. Oman-based startup Etlaq is building three launch complexes near the Arabian Sea to become a hub for smaller countries and private companies for orbital and suborbital missions. Located at ~18°N, Oman sits closer to the equator than most major ports, offering a natural boost for liftoffs. With 2023 seeing roughly 2,895 objects launched, demand is rising, though the bottleneck remains the scarcity of commercial spaceports. Etlaq's roadmap emphasizes upskilling and gradual capability expansion.

How NDAs Let Big Tech Hide AI Data Center Details from Americans

October 28, 2025, 6:02 AM EDT. NDAs shield data-center plans from public scrutiny, keeping details from elected officials and residents. In Saint Charles, backers of Project Cumulus used NDAs and a shell company, prompting a yearlong ban on data-center construction. In Arizona, Pima County officials were bound by an NDA over Amazon Web Services' Project Blue, delaying transparency and leaving Tucson leaders in the dark as water and power talks unfolded. A leak and a local dashboard by Sky Island AI helped quantify energy and water use, fueling public outcry. Officials argued NDAs create conflicts with constituents' interests, while the data-center sector argues secrecy protects trade secrets and competitiveness. Following pressure, NDAs were dissolved ahead of votes, highlighting tensions between privacy, transparency, and rapid tech expansion.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic review: premium squircle design, precise rotating bezel, and strong health features

October 28, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy Watch8 Classic blends a bold cushion design with serious health tracking. After weeks of wear, the watch's 63.5-gram metal body in black stainless steel feels substantial without dominating the wrist, and the 1.3-inch AMOLED display under a sapphire crystal stays crisp. The rotating bezel delivers tactile feedback, though a plastic edge strip around the side jars some observers. It's water resistant to 5ATM, built to handle rain, sweat, and swims, and the build holds up under daily abuse. At around Rs 30,000 (vs. nearer Rs 50,000 equivalents), the premium feel is strong, but value hinges on whether you'll use the included features and health tools.

Smartphone Display Market Forecast: 5.5% CAGR Fueled by OLED, Micro-LED and Flexible Panels Through 2035

October 28, 2025, 5:56 AM EDT. Global Smartphone Display Market is projected to grow from USD 57.2 Billion in 2025 to USD 97.8 Billion by 2035, a CAGR of 5.5%. Demand is driven by immersive visuals, energy efficiency, and evolution from LCD to OLED/AMOLED, Micro-LED, and flexible panels. In 2025, Samsung Display expanded its OLED-on-silicon line for foldable and rollable devices, boosting brightness and power efficiency. The market's growth is anchored by 5G adoption, AR/VR, and AI-powered UIs. Asia Pacific accounts for roughly 45% of the market, led by manufacturing hubs in China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Key players include Samsung Display, BOE, LG Display, TCL/Tianma, and others. Regional government incentives in South Korea and investments from major manufacturers further propel next-gen display innovations.

Amazon to Cut 14,000 Corporate Jobs: Cost-Cutting Push Intensifies

October 28, 2025, 5:54 AM EDT. Amazon plans to cut about 14,000 corporate jobs as part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring push. The move underscores continued belt-tightening at the tech giant and follows previous rounds of efficiency measures aimed at boosting long-term profitability. The reductions are focused on corporate roles across divisions, with managers saying the changes will streamline operations and reduce overhead. Market watchers view the announcement as another sign of ongoing volatility in the technology sector and a push toward a leaner organizational structure in challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Caterpillar's AI Rally: Why the Stock Is Priced for Perfection Ahead of Q3

October 28, 2025, 5:30 AM EDT. Caterpillar has emerged as an AI-driven winner, delivering a stock surge that outpaced peers like Nvidia in 2025, even as near-term earnings growth slowed. Morgan Stanley warns shares are priced for perfection while investors bet the AI tilt will power future gains. The focus is shifting from traditional construction equipment to Caterpillar's Energy & Transportation (E&T) segment, which now accounts for roughly 40% of sales and contains power generation, solar, and gas infrastructure that could drive earnings for years. E&T outgrew the company's overall growth last year, suggesting the pivot could offset weakness in construction and mining. With data center demand for electricity rising, investors are watching whether the Q3 print and any momentum in E&T can sustain the stock's rally amid mixed analyst views.

10 Everyday Problems AI Solves and What It Learns From You

October 28, 2025, 5:28 AM EDT. From your inbox to your playlists and maps, AI quietly handles the mundane so life runs smoother. The piece argues that what started as automation has become subtle anticipation-machine learning models predicting what you'll need before you know it, nudging you toward a purchase or a reminder at the right moment. These personalization tricks turn routine tasks into micro-interventions that save time but also shape behavior, raising questions about privacy and consent. The story lists ten everyday problems AI is already solving and ten subtle ways it might be learning from you-through autofill, route suggestions, coffee habits, and more. It highlights a future where AI is less about takeover and more about curating your to-do list, sometimes with unintended consequences for attention and choice.

Cathie Wood Warns of Market Shudder as Rates Rise and AI Valuations Face Reality Check

October 28, 2025, 5:12 AM EDT. ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood told CNBC that rising interest rates could trigger a market shudder, signaling a shift from easy-money conditions to tighter financing. While acknowledging the risk of inflated AI valuations, she said she does not believe AI is in a bubble. Wood argued that innovation and rate dynamics do not invert historically, and that a reality check is likely as enterprises prepare to transform with embodied AI – even as big tech stock valuations may justify their upside in the long run. Her remarks came on the sidelines of Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative, amid broader warnings from IMF and others about potential corrections if AI spending cools.

DJI's Romo robot vacuum launches in Europe with AI-powered navigation, but not yet a Roborock rival

October 28, 2025, 5:10 AM EDT. DJI's Romo robot vacuum launches in Europe, using AI-powered navigation but not yet a Roborock-level rival. The three models-S, A, and P-range from €1,299 to €1,899 and include a self-emptying base, obstacle detection, mopping, and deodorizing. Built on drone-grade sensors, Romo uses dual fisheye vision sensors, solid-state LiDAR, and edge-aware depth algorithms to learn a home's layout and predict collisions. It even adapts brush rotation for debris and employs AI-driven edge geometry with flexible arms. Remote video feeds support pet checks via encrypted transmission and two-factor authentication. Still, a high price and limited smart-home integration may restrain broad adoption in Europe and beyond.

Walmart Galaxy Watch FE Drops to $99 in 50% Off Bluetooth-Only Deal

October 28, 2025, 5:08 AM EDT. Walmart is still offering the Galaxy Watch FE for just $99, a 50% off on the Bluetooth-only model. Once $199, this budget-friendly Samsung wearable delivers essential features like ECG monitoring, heart rate tracking, and advanced sleep coaching powered by AI. It also shows body composition analysis, a vivid AMOLED display protected by sapphire crystal glass, and up to 40 hours of battery life. While not as powerful as the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it remains a strong value for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a solid Samsung wearable. Act fast-this promo has persisted and could sell out again at Walmart.

Amazon plans thousands of job cuts, warns managers to prepare, per internal messages

October 28, 2025, 5:04 AM EDT. Amazon plans to cut thousands of jobs and has circulated internal messages urging managers to prepare for the layoffs. The disclosure points to a broad cost-cutting push as the company reassesses staffing and operations, with notes outlining timelines, expectations, and contingency plans for reductions across divisions. Details on which teams are affected and the scale remain unclear, but the development highlights a major restructuring move amid tighter budgets across tech and retail platforms.

Venmo Partners with Bilt to Add Rent and Mortgage Payments and Neighborhood Commerce

October 28, 2025, 5:02 AM EDT. Payments app Venmo is expanding into housing payments through a new partnership with Bilt. Starting early next year, Bilt members can pay rent and mortgage and shop at local merchants via Venmo, using the Venmo balance or linked methods alongside ACH, debit, and credit. Users can complete housing payments in the Bilt app or directly in Venmo. Executives describe the move as Venmo's evolution from a peer-to-peer payments tool to an everyday commerce platform. The alliance leverages Bilt's rewards network for renters and follows recent tie-ins with UWM for mortgage lending and with GoPuff for home delivery. The goal is to give renters more payment flexibility and added monthly value while expanding Venmo's reach beyond P2P payments.

X's Grokipedia returns online after brief crash

October 28, 2025, 5:00 AM EDT. X's Grokipedia briefly went online on Monday, then crashed. It now appears to be working and claims more than 885,000 articles. Musk, who has derided Wikipedia, calls Grokipedia a step toward the xAI goal of understanding the universe. His allies have argued Wikipedia is biased; Jimmy Wales calls those claims incorrect. The launch was reportedly delayed to purge propaganda. Some articles resemble Wikipedia entries, though Grokipedia lacks in-line source links; a disclaimer notes content is adapted from Wikipedia under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0. Screenshots show entries for university and Elon Musk. X did not immediately respond to request for comment.

OpenAI Maps ChatGPT Mental Health Risks: Prevalence, Reforms, and Policy Questions

October 28, 2025, 4:58 AM EDT. OpenAI released research on the mental health implications of using ChatGPT, showing weekly prevalence rates: 0.07% with signs of psychosis or mania; 0.15% indicating heightened emotional attachment; and 0.15% expressing suicidal intent. With more than 800 million weekly users, these fractions translate into hundreds of thousands affected. The findings come as part of a broader mental health crisis in the U.S. and raise questions about whether interactions with large language models can trigger or worsen conditions. In response, OpenAI adjusted the ChatGPT model to reduce misaligned or unsafe responses by 65-80% versus August. The company now emphasizes human connection and urges users to seek real-world support, while researchers debate how to balance AI safety with accessibility.

Bitcoin Miners Pivot to Power AI: Crypto Facilities Rewired for HPC Demand

October 28, 2025, 4:56 AM EDT. Bitcoin miners are retooling data centers to provide AI computing capacity, converting cheap locations into long-term HPC powerhouses. With halving driving lower bitcoin profits, operators such as Riot, TeraWulf, Cipher Mining, CleanSpark, and IREN are signing multiyear AI workloads with cloud infra firms. The shift favors consistent computing power for AI developers facing multi-year cloud commitments from giants like Microsoft and OpenAI, creating opportunities for smaller sites to deploy quickly. Analysts note a rising AI demand alongside bitcoin volatility and crowded mining, pushing more players to pivot. Key deals include Riot's Texas campus, TeraWulf/Cipher with Fluidstack, and Galaxy Digital with CoreWeave, signaling a broader industry transition toward AI hosting.

OnePlus Turbo leak: 8000mAh battery, 165Hz OLED and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

October 28, 2025, 4:54 AM EDT. Leaks suggest the upcoming OnePlus Turbo will pair a 6.7-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. A massive 8000 mAh battery supports 100W wired charging. The back reportedly houses a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultrawide. The handset is said to include an X-axis linear vibration motor, stereo speakers, NFC, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. It is reportedly being tested in India and could launch there and elsewhere before year's end. Official confirmation is pending, but the specs position this as a top-tier OnePlus model in development alongside the Ace 6 and 15.

The Case Against AI Disclosure Statements in Higher Education: Rethinking Transparency and Assessment

October 28, 2025, 4:52 AM EDT. An educator who once required AI disclosure statements for assignments argues they backfire. The piece traces an early adoption of AI in college writing and a spring 2024 turning point when the author questioned disclosure. Despite promoting transparency, mandatory AI disclosure statements often turn into a performative confession that stigmatizes responsible, ethical use while letting others slip through. The author notes students still avoid disclosure even when allowed to use AI, partly due to a culture of suspicion around AI. Because disclosure encourages surveillance and guilt, the article suggests normalizing AI usage and adjusting assessment methods to account for tools rather than policing them. It calls for a pragmatic approach to responsible AI that reduces stigma and promotes creative integration in higher education.

Elon Musk's Grokipedia Debuts as AI Encyclopedia, Accused of Far-Right Bias

October 28, 2025, 4:50 AM EDT. Elon Musk's xAI launched Grokipedia, an AI-generated rival to Wikipedia. Musk called it a massive improvement and a step toward understanding the Universe, though he said it needed more work to purge propaganda. At launch, Grokipedia was briefly blocked; WIRED later found AI-written entries that largely mirror Wikipedia in tone but tilt toward conservative viewpoints. Notable entries include a slavery section outlining ideological justifications and criticisms of The 1619 Project, and a transgender entry using terms like transgenderism and describing trans women as biological males. A search for gay marriage yielded a suggested entry for gay pornography, and an entry tied pornography to HIV/AIDS transmission. The site's apparent biases prompted questions about AI governance; xAI did not immediately comment. Musk's team said more work was needed.

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Trifold, the first triple-folding smartphone

October 28, 2025, 4:48 AM EDT. Samsung has shown its first triple-folding phone, the Galaxy Z Trifold, at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea. Images depict both unfolded (tablet-like 10-inch inner display) and folded (6.5-inch outer display), with inward folding to protect the display. Leaks suggest three battery compartments and a 200-MP rear camera, plus a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Early chatter notes more pronounced bezels on the inner panel and a design distinct from Huawei's Mate XTs. Expected launch before year's end in select regions, including China and South Korea, with India unclear, and a target price around $3,000. Samsung's approach contrasts with folding rivals, highlighting a new era for foldables.

West Virginia Digital ID Now Available in Apple Wallet

October 28, 2025, 4:46 AM EDT. West Virginia has expanded its Mobile ID program by adding support for Apple Wallet, letting residents store a digital version of their driver's license or state ID on iPhone or Apple Watch. The rollout follows a partnership with IDEMIA Public Security North America and aligns WV with 12 other states offering mobile IDs. After installing the West Virginia Mobile ID app and approving the terms, users can scan their physical ID and facial photo, then add the digital ID to Apple Wallet or Apple Watch. The digital ID can be shown at select locations, airports (including TSA PreCheck), and for age-restricted purchases, improving convenience and security for interactions with government agencies, law enforcement, and businesses.

DJI Neo 2 drone: China launch on Oct 30, 2025; US availability still unclear

October 28, 2025, 4:34 AM EDT. DJI has teased the Neo 2 with an October 30, 2025, China launch, while a global rollout remains uncertain. The current Neo is on sale in the US with notable discounts (as low as $159). FCC listings indicate a 1606 mAh battery for the Neo 2, suggesting longer flight time. Leaks point to a 2-axis gimbal, potentially a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, upgraded obstacle sensing, and redesigned front sensors and antennas. The drone is expected to keep the lightweight form (~135 g) with tweaks to prop-guards and antenna layout, plus improved gesture/voice controls and auto return home. However, FCC approval does not guarantee US availability, and regulatory or customs hurdles-under regimes like UFLPA-could limit a US release. Global rollout details remain unconfirmed.

SK Group chairman flags bottlenecks as AI data centres surge

October 28, 2025, 4:28 AM EDT. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won warned that the rapid expansion of AI data centres is creating bottlenecks across the supply chain, from chips to services. He noted intense global competition, with the US and China releasing national strategies to lead in AI, and said the surge in demand is pressuring suppliers worldwide. Speaking at an APEC side-event in Gyeongju ahead of visits by Trump and Xi, Chey urged policymakers and industry to anticipate and mitigate constraints as the AI race accelerates.

UToledo Lends Experts to Great Lakes AI Week Across Northwest Ohio

October 28, 2025, 4:24 AM EDT. UToday reports that Great Lakes AI Week kicks off Nov. 4 in northwest Ohio with UToledo as a sponsor, uniting researchers, business leaders and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and financial services. The university will host the AI in Healthcare Symposium on Health Science Campus (Nov. 7) and contribute faculty to panels and workshops at Bowling Green State University (Nov. 5-6) through collaboration with the Office of Continuing Medical Education. Participants include Dean Barbara Ritter, faculty Heba Abdel-Rahim, Tyler Hancock, Susan Shultz, Paul Hong, engineers George Choueiri and Arun Nadarajah, and CIO/CTO William McCreary. Sessions feature JobsOhio-sponsored workshops, AI in sports discussions, and governance and strategy topics as the region explores AI's impact.

Galaxy Z TriFold: Samsung's First Triple-Fold Smartphone Spotted in Images

October 28, 2025, 4:22 AM EDT. Samsung appears poised to unveil its first triple-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, shown in a series of images. The device reportedly uses a G-shaped dual-infolding design with two hinges, letting it fold inward and unfold into a large display close to a 10-inch tablet. A prototype at the K-Tech Showcase reportedly had no visible crease. No specs were disclosed, but rumors place the price around 3 million Korean won (~$2,085), with limited market availability. The Z TriFold will contend with the Huawei Mate XTs, though Samsung may face durability and cost hurdles. An official announcement is pending, and enthusiasts can view images via tipster Ice Universe on Weibo.

First look: DJI's Romo robot vacuum blends transparency with strong suction

October 28, 2025, 4:20 AM EDT. DJI is entering the robot vacuum space with the Romo line, a trio of grounded cleaners that come in a transparent shell. The Romo P (fully transparent), Romo A (transparent bot with an opaque base), and Romo S (all white) launch in Europe with prices starting at €1,299, €1,599, and €1,899, respectively. Specs are rounded around Roborock's Curv: 25,000 Pa suction and a 164 ml onboard water tank, plus dual fish-eye vision sensors and wide-angle cameras for navigation. The base station is larger for the Romo family, and the bots are taller to house sensors. While the navigation tech is DJI-strength, the price premium feels steep for the given performance, and the see-through design may wear on living rooms after months of use. Availability is at store.dji.com in Europe.

EU car registrations rise 10% in September 2025 as BYD gains ground and Tesla loses market share

October 28, 2025, 4:08 AM EDT. EU passenger car registrations climbed 10.0% year-over-year to 888,672 units in September 2025, signaling a robust recovery for the region's automotive market. The surge appears driven by demand for newer, more affordable models, helping a market-wide rebound across traditional and electric vehicles. The EV segment continues to polarize, with Tesla continuing to shed market share while BYD makes inroads. As automakers push price-competitive derivatives and expanding charging networks support adoption, the September figure highlights shifting demand dynamics in the EU's auto sector and underscores ongoing competition among legacy brands and new entrants.

Meta Platforms Could Join the $3 Trillion Club by 2029, Rivaling Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet

October 28, 2025, 4:06 AM EDT. Meta Platforms, the parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is positioned to join the elite $3 trillion club as AI and data drive growth. With nearly 3.5 billion daily users, Meta leverages Llama models and AI-powered advertising to monetize its vast reach. The company's second-quarter results showed revenue of $47.5 billion and EPS of $7.14, up strongly year-over-year, underscoring the impact of AI on its business. Meta's strategy combines machine learning for content relevance and targeted ads, translating into higher ad conversions and longer user engagement on Facebook and Instagram. If AI-enabled efficiency continues to scale, investors could see substantial upside as the company expands its AI tooling and data advantages across its platforms.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Trifold, First Tri-Folding Smartphone, at APEC Sidelines

October 28, 2025, 4:02 AM EDT. At the K-Tech Showcase near the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, Samsung Electronics stole the spotlight with its first tri-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z Trifold. The device uses a dual in-folding mechanism that folds inward from both sides, transforming from a bar-shaped phone into a roughly 10-inch tablet-style display. The exterior remains slim, with an unfolded thickness around 4.2 mm and a folded profile near 1.2-1.5 cm. While official specs were undisclosed, observers estimate a ~10-inch unfolded screen and a barely noticeable crease, with each panel housing its own battery to extend life. Samsung positions the launch against Huawei's Mate XT, signaling a strategic push to lead the premium foldable market as production could begin next month in Korea.

NVIDIA Unveils OmniVinci: Research-Only Multimodal LLM for Cross-Modal Reasoning

October 28, 2025, 3:46 AM EDT. NVIDIA has unveiled OmniVinci, a research-only multimodal LLM designed to understand text, vision, audio, and robotics data. The model unifies modalities via three innovations: OmniAlignNet for shared vision/audio embeddings, Temporal Embedding Grouping to capture cross-modal timing, and Constrained Rotary Time Embedding for absolute temporal encoding. A new data-synthesis engine produced over 24 million multi-modal conversations to train cross-modal reasoning, with only 0.2 trillion tokens-one-sixth of the tokens used by Qwen2.5-Omni. In benchmarks, OmniVinci reportedly achieves +19.05 on DailyOmni (cross-modal), +1.7 on MMAR (audio), and +3.9 on Video-MME (vision). Licensing restricts commercial use under NVIDIA's OneWay Noncommercial License, sparking debate about openness. Access through Hugging Face scripts; runs on NVILA with full GPU acceleration for real-time apps.

Grokipedia Goes Live: Elon Musk's AI-Powered Wikipedia Alternative

October 28, 2025, 3:30 AM EDT. Grokipedia, Elon Musk's AI-powered encyclopedia from xAI, goes live as a potential alternative to Wikipedia. The platform relies on Grok AI to blend verified data with user contributions and currently supports direct topic searches. In its v0.1 release, Grokipedia hosts roughly 885,000 articles-far fewer than Wikipedia, but aims for neutral, evidence-based entries rather than editorial opinion. The site briefly went offline at launch and faced early content quirks, including a Musk entry mentioning weight loss. Musk says future updates will boost accuracy and that version 1.0 will be "ten times better". Access is public, with ongoing refinements to ensure neutral knowledge.

Southern farms: Online input purchases rise as precision agriculture use declines

October 28, 2025, 3:26 AM EDT. New findings from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) show internet use on farms rising in the Southern Region, even as precision agriculture adoption slips in several states. The biennial NASS survey (2025 release with 2023 comparatives) asks producers about devices, internet access, and online activities. In 2025, about half of U.S. farms report buying inputs online, with Southern states posting notable gains-Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas each showing more than a 100% increase since 2023. Online agricultural marketing sits around 25% in the South (vs 29% nationwide). Yet the right-hand column shows seven Southern states with lower precision agriculture use between 2023 and 2025, while others rose. Internet-enabled farming remains a key driver of decision-making.

Emma Thompson Calls AI an 'Intense Irritation' on Colbert, Demands It Leave Her Writing Alone

October 28, 2025, 3:20 AM EDT. Emma Thompson used The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to vent about artificial intelligence (AI), calling it an 'intense irritation' and explaining she writes longhand because she believes in a brain-hand connection. Colbert noted his own habit of writing by hand to memorize lines. Thompson added that AI frequently suggests rewriting her work, and she told it to 'f–k off.' The clip has reignited debates about AI in creative industries, echoing comments from other celebrities like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin on copyright, consent, and the economic impact of AI tools. The Late Show airs weeknights on CBS.

Mercor pays over $1.5 million a day to humans training AI, says its CEO

October 28, 2025, 3:16 AM EDT. Mercor's CEO claims the company spends more than $1.5 million per day hiring humans to label data and train AI models. The high cost underscores the ongoing investment in data annotation, model training, and AI safety as firms race to improve capabilities while scaling infrastructure and quality controls.

HMD Fuse: The first smartphone that blocks porn with HarmBlock AI

October 28, 2025, 2:48 AM EDT. Finland's Human Mobile Devices unveils the Fuse, a kid-friendly smartphone that auto-blocks nude content. It ships with extensive parental controls-location tracking, screen time limits, app blocking and whitelisting-and starts as a locked 'brick' with no social apps or app store access; parents grant access via a companion app. The standout feature is HarmBlock AI, embedded in the OS and developed with UK safety firm SafeToNet, which scans content in real time to block pornography, delete nude files, and even stop the camera from taking nude images. SafeToNet says HarmBlock AI runs offline and across any app, website or message, without data collection. HMD frames Fuse as a new safety-first phone category, amid debates on device bans in schools.

Google and NextEra revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant to power AI with carbon-free energy

October 28, 2025, 2:46 AM EDT. Google and NextEra Energy plan to restart Iowa's Duane Arnold Energy Center by 2029 to provide carbon-free power for Google's AI cloud and operations, with the 615-MW plant operating as a 24/7 energy source. The move aims to bolster grid reliability and meet surging electricity demand driven by AI and data centers. Surplus power would be sold to the Central Iowa Power Cooperative, signaling a broader tech-nuclear trend as the U.S. weighs nuclear options to support a growing energy footprint for AI. Regulators will weigh safety, cost, and siting as tech giants pursue scalable, low-carbon energy, a path complemented by partnerships like Microsoft-Constellation and Oracle's small-reactor initiatives.

Infinix enters Israel to challenge Xiaomi with budget smartphones

October 28, 2025, 2:42 AM EDT. Infinix has launched in Israel, introducing three new smartphones aimed at challenging Xiaomi in the budget segment. The lineup includes a slim-design model and a gaming-focused option, with prices ranging from 1,350 to 2,000 shekels. The standout device highlighted is the Note 50 Pro Plus, signaling Infinix's push to compete on specs and value. The move positions Infinix as a local competitor to Xiaomi in a market where midrange devices attract price-conscious shoppers. The three models promise modern screens and capable performance for everyday use and casual gaming, while keeping costs accessible. This expansion could intensify competition in the Israeli smartphone market and reshape local choices for consumers.

DeepSeek and the risk of AI health advice replacing doctors: a mother's story

October 28, 2025, 2:30 AM EDT. In a small eastern Chinese city, a 57-year-old kidney transplant patient turns to DeepSeek, a leading AI health chatbot, for diagnosis and guidance. She uploads ultrasounds and labs, tweaks her immunosuppressants, and follows lifestyle tips learned online, often at home rather than in a clinic. The bot answers with empathy, and she calls it her best health adviser. The writer, meanwhile, worries about relying on AI when human clinicians are overbooked and time-pressed. As chatbots seep into healthcare, they offer accessibility and support but also raise questions about safety, privacy, and proper oversight. The piece asks how AI can augment, not replace, doctors-and what care looks like when trust hinges on algorithms.

Chegg cuts about 45% of staff as AI reshapes online learning

October 28, 2025, 2:28 AM EDT. Chegg Inc., the Santa Clara online learning platform, said it will cut about 45% of its workforce-roughly 388 employees-to address reduced traffic from Google and shifts in generative AI. The restructuring aims to lower 2026 non-GAAP expenses by $100-$110 million and incur $15-$19 million in cash severance. Executive Chairman Dan Rosensweig will resume the CEO role, with Nathan Schultz stepping down to advisor. Chegg will remain independent, pursuing growth in its expanding skilling market and a new B2B focus beyond traditional study help. The firm cited 'new realities of AI' and changing search patterns as key drivers of the revenue decline and traffic drop.

Elon Musk launches Grokipedia, an AI-powered encyclopedia with Wikipedia disclaimer

October 28, 2025, 1:58 AM EDT. Elon Musk has launched Grokipedia, an AI-powered encyclopedia on X that aims to rival Wikipedia. The site touts version 0.1 as capable and promises 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,' though some results are adapted from Wikipedia and carry a note: 'The content is adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons.' Grokipedia relies on Grok, xAI's AI, to fact-check entries while user claims of copied content persist. Unlike Wikipedia, Grokipedia currently limits edits and offers less transparency on edits, and is tied to a for-profit venture. The Wikimedia Foundation responded by underscoring that Wikipedia is human-driven, open to collaboration, and built on community governance, even as AI experiments continue.

Amazon plans up to 30,000 corporate layoffs in major cost-cutting push

October 28, 2025, 1:56 AM EDT. Amazon is reportedly planning up to 30,000 layoffs among its corporate office staff as part of a broad cost-cutting push led by CEO Andy Jassy. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters say the cuts could reach roughly 10% of the company's corporate headcount, though Amazon employs more than 1.5 million people worldwide. The timing remains unclear, and the move would be Amazon's largest round of cuts since 2022. The company has been investing heavily in AI tools to boost efficiency, with Jassy signaling that automation may reduce routine tasks and require fewer people in some roles while reassigning staff to different jobs.

Amazon Reportedly Plans to Cut 30,000 Corporate Jobs This Week

October 28, 2025, 1:42 AM EDT. Reuters reports Amazon is planning to cut about 30,000 corporate roles this week across departments including HR, AWS, and Operations, Devices & Services. The cuts would amount to roughly 10% of Amazon's roughly 350,000 corporate employees, though they are a small fraction of its 1.5 million-strong workforce. Managers were told to prep communications training as notifications are set to go out Tuesday morning. No official reason was given, but CEO Andy Jassy has signaled a broader shift toward AI-driven roles, suggesting some tasks could be performed with fewer people. Some links to the recent AWS outage are noted in coverage, but no confirmation exists. Amazon has not commented, and readers should treat the report as unconfirmed until multiple sources or an official statement emerge.

Grokipedia: Elon Musk's AI-Generated Wikipedia Rival – What You Need to Know

October 28, 2025, 1:40 AM EDT. Elon Musk unveiled Grokipedia, an AI-generated encyclopedia designed as a rival to Wikipedia. Version 0.1 features over 885,000 articles, with all content generated and fact-checked by xAI's Grok and not editable by users. Musk claims future versions will improve, promising "truth, the whole truth." Some Grokipedia entries closely mirror Wikipedia articles, with disclaimers noting adaptations from CC BY-SA 4.0. The Wikimedia Foundation says human-made knowledge remains essential and that such experiments don't alter Wikipedia's mission. Grokipedia's approach raises questions about bias, transparency, and how AI-created knowledge should be governed while users will be able to request additions or deletions and be told why a decision was made.

The web becomes a hive mind of AI agents as Vercel builds a cloud to host them

October 28, 2025, 1:28 AM EDT. The web is evolving into a sprawling network of AI-enabled agents that collaborate across apps and services. As developers outfit websites and platforms with autonomous routines, the result is a new kind of distributed software ecosystem-a hive mind of decisions, data, and actions. Vercel is signaling a bold move to create a cloud designed to host and orchestrate these agents, offering managed runtimes, edge compute, and seamless integration with existing tooling. For builders, the vision promises faster deployment, scalable AI workloads, and tighter coupling between frontend experiences and backend intelligence. The shift raises questions about interoperability, security, and governance as autonomous software becomes mainstream on the internet.

Apple tops $100B in services revenue as legal risks mount

October 28, 2025, 1:24 AM EDT. Apple has topped $100 billion in annual services revenue for the first time, signaling a durable shift from devices to a growing ecosystem that includes iCloud, App Store, Music, TV+, and AppleCare. The milestone underscores the profitability and recurring revenue that services bring as hardware growth slows. Yet the spotlight on Apple's market power continues to bring rising legal risks and regulatory scrutiny in several jurisdictions over App Store practices, data privacy, and competition. Analysts say services profits could bolster margins and cushion quarterly results, but policy actions and potential settlements may influence pricing, commissions, and user experience. If sustained, the services push could redefine Apple's trajectory and long-term growth prospects.

Original Pixel Watch gets final October update as Wear OS support ends

October 28, 2025, 1:20 AM EDT. Google rolled out Wear OS 6 for the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, but the original Pixel Watch won't get this update. Google is releasing a final October build, BW1A.251005.003.W, based on Wear OS 5.1 that includes only security updates and bug fixes. It does not include the October security patch and remains on June. Owners can install it via Settings → System → System updates while the watch is on charge and on Wi-Fi. This marks the end of official support begun in October 2022 with a promised three years of updates. A future update is unlikely unless a critical vulnerability appears. By contrast, the Galaxy Watch 4 will receive Wear OS 6, while the original Pixel Watch helped shape Google's current smartwatch lineup, culminating in Pixel Watch 4.

Nothing Phone 3a Lite 5G vs Nothing Phone 3a 5G: Price, specs and India launch

October 28, 2025, 1:06 AM EDT. Nothing Phone 3a Lite 5G and Nothing Phone 3a 5G are set for a head-to-head in India. The launch teaser reveals a transparent design with a new rear LED for notifications, while the 3a 5G retains Glyph lights around the camera. Both models reportedly share a 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz display. In performance, the Lite 5G reportedly uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 with 8GB RAM, while the 3a 5G uses Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Battery remains 5000mAh, but charging differs at 33W vs 50W. Camera setups are similar: 50MP main, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide; selfie is 16MP on Lite vs 32MP on 3a. Price expectations: 3a 5G Rs. 23,999 (8GB+128GB) and 3a Lite around Rs. 20,000.

An AI bubble isn't a bad thing for savvy investors, says Groq CEO

October 28, 2025, 12:52 AM EDT. Groq's CEO argues that an AI investment bubble can accelerate innovation rather than burst markets. For savvy investors, the key is identifying how demand for AI chips, inference accelerators and specialized hardware outpaces supply, creating opportunities in both startups and established players. The exec emphasizes that while valuations may rise, the long-term trajectory of AI adoption across data centers, cloud services, and edge devices justifies capital inflows. Groq positions itself as a differentiated player with high-efficiency AI chips and a software stack tuned for real-time workloads, making it attractive to those betting on sustained AI demand. In short, the bubble could fuel winner-takes-most momentum for firms delivering practical, scalable AI infrastructure.

Google and NextEra to Restart Iowa's Duane Arnold Nuclear Plant to Power AI Era

October 28, 2025, 12:18 AM EDT. Google and NextEra Energy announced a 25-year deal to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, returning the 615-MW plant to operation by early 2029 pending regulatory approval. Under the agreement, Google will buy a sizable share of the plant's output as 24/7 carbon-free energy to power its cloud and AI infrastructure, with the remainder sold to CIPCO on similar terms. NextEra will gain full ownership after acquiring CIPCO and Corn Belt Power's stake. The revival marks a major step in the convergence of Big Tech and clean baseload power, promising about 400 permanent jobs and more than $9 billion in total economic benefits for Iowa, plus local tax revenue. The deal signals a broader push to secure low-carbon, reliable generation for the AI-driven economy.