Innovation 23 October 2025 - 14 November 2025

Cloudflare has deployed new controls to block AI crawlers that scrape data without payment or permission, aiming to counter falling web traffic and ad revenue. TollBit is letting publishers set access fees and charge AI firms per use. Wikipedia reports a decline in human visits as AI usage rises. Analysts say fragmented efforts will not address the broader shift in the internet economy.

WisdomAI raised $50 million in Series A funding led by Kleiner Perkins, with Nvidia's NVentures joining the round. The AI data analytics startup, founded by Rubrik co-founder Soham Mazumdar, now counts about 40 customers including Cisco and ConocoPhillips.

Samsung Display has started mass production of 1.3-inch OLEDoS panels for the Galaxy XR headset, joining Sony as a supplier. The panels offer 4K-per-eye resolution, 4,032 PPI, and 95% DCI-P3 coverage with a 72 Hz base refresh rate. Omdia expects OLEDoS panel prices to fall through 2026. Galaxy XR launch specs remain unchanged.

Rockstar delayed GTA 6 to November 19, 2026, tightening the fall release window and crowding the schedule for major game launches. Marvel’s Wolverine remains set for Fall 2026, though the date could shift. Web Summit opened in Lisbon amid AI market volatility and travel disruptions. Stephen A. Smith was named ambassador for Papaya’s World Solitaire Championship.

Apple Maps is rerouting drivers around the Dallas Marathon weeks before the event, adding unnecessary time to trips, according to WFAA tests. Competing apps Waze and Google Maps show faster routes. The marathon is set for December 14. Apple has not provided a timeline for a fix.

The FCC voted to begin rolling back broadband price label rules, drawing consumer backlash. Nova Launcher released version 8.1.4 beta days after 8.1.3, focusing on bug fixes as questions grow about project leadership and data collection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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