Technology News: 16 August 2025 - 19 August 2025

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.

November 23, 2025, 1:56 AM EST. Business Insider reports a strategic AI partnership with Microsoft designed to accelerate enterprise deployment of intelligent solutions. The collaboration will leverage Azure to co-develop and scale AI models, tooling, and cross-industry workflows, helping customers modernize data platforms and accelerate value. The partners emphasize security, privacy, and responsible AI, with joint investments in governance, compliance, and developer experiences. By combining the partnering company's strengths with Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, organizations can access advanced analytics, automation, and personalized experiences at scale. The move signals a broader tech and cloud strategy and may influence future AI collaborations and policy dialogue.