Business News: 28 July 2025 - 13 August 2025

November 23, 2025, 2:14 AM EST. Nvidia confirms that the October 2025 Windows updates are causing reduced gaming performance on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems. To address this, Nvidia released the GeForce Hotfix Display Driver 581.94, a beta and optional update that bypasses the usual QA cycle to deliver targeted fixes. Nvidia notes the hotfix is essentially the same as the previous driver with a few additional fixes and is provided as-is. The driver is available for Windows 10 x64 and Windows 11 x64 from the Customer Care support site. These gaming issues come amid other Windows update bugs Microsoft has been patching, including localhost HTTP, smart card authentication, and WinRE problems on USB devices.

November 23, 2025, 2:08 AM EST. During early Friday testing in South Texas, SpaceX's Starship booster exploded while testing the new Super Heavy V3. The incident occurred during gas-system pressure checks, and SpaceX said Booster 18 suffered an anomaly; no propellant was on the vehicle and engines were not yet installed. No injuries were reported as crews maintained a safe distance. SpaceX said teams will take time to investigate the cause. Booster 18 is the first Super Heavy V3 unit and is undergoing prelaunch tests to validate redesigned propellant systems and structural strength. SpaceX aims to advance toward orbital flight and, later, lunar exploration with Starship, with plans to use the vehicle for Artemis-era goals.

November 23, 2025, 2:06 AM EST. Two Robotaxi milestones in Nevada and Arizona are giving Tesla's AI-driven ambitions a real-world test even as the stock contends with broader tech headwinds. The discussion notes Nvidia's jump and subsequent slide, but highlights that Tesla's robotaxi push-operating with safety drivers and a self-certification path-moved forward in both states. Nevada completed the self-certification to operate robot taxis with safety drivers (not commercially active yet), and Arizona reached a similar final step. While not Level 4 deployments yet, these steps demonstrate progress in the robo-physical AI program. Sentiment improved modestly on the news, though Tesla's stock remains tied to the broader Mag 7 trade and macro swings, with analysts varied on targets.

November 23, 2025, 2:02 AM EST. Microsoft is expanding its Windows 'full screen experience' (FSE) from the Xbox Ally X to all Windows 11 handhelds starting November 21. FSE puts Windows in a touch- and controller-friendly Xbox PC app, letting players access games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other stores with quick access to Game Pass. The UI is lighter, uses fewer resources, and simplifies setup and app-switching, aiming for a console-like feel. SteamOS remains the benchmark for handhelds, but this broader rollout could push faster iteration. Microsoft also says the experience will arrive on more Windows 11 PC form factors via the Xbox and Windows Insider programs, hinting that the next Xbox could be more PC-like than a traditional console.

November 23, 2025, 2:00 AM EST. Samsung's Black Friday week brings Galaxy Watch 8 discounts, with $70 off the current-gen model across all configurations. After an earlier Woot offer, Samsung now offers the lowest straight-up cash discount from the official retailer, with prices mirrored on Amazon. This is the best price outside the Woot promo and EDU/college discounts for the Watch 8 to date. The broader sale also slashes big-ticket items like Galaxy Z Fold 7 by $400 and Galaxy S25 Ultra by $350, but the Watch 8 deal stands out for value. If you were waiting for a solid warranty-inclusive deal, this one delivers from Samsung directly. Check the live price and act fast while supplies last.