Technology News 02.11.2025

UK Deals: Free Galaxy Buds3 FE with Galaxy S25 FE and Discounts on S25/S25 Edge

November 2, 2025, 7:00 AM EST. UK deals spotlight Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup with multiple discounts: the Galaxy S25 (12GB/128GB) at £649 plus £50 off at checkout and an extra £100 off for Prime Student members; the Galaxy S25 Edge (12GB/256GB) at £899 with a £100 Prime Student discount; and the Galaxy S25 FE at £649 with a bundled £187 worth of accessories, including the Galaxy Buds3 FE. Also on sale are budget options like the Poco F7 (£314 for 12/512GB) and Poco F7 Pro (£359 for 12/256GB). Apple models see pricing cuts on the iPhone 16 (256GB) at £749 and iPhone 16e (256GB) at £649. The report notes the Exynos 2400 in the S25 FE and other specs; last year's iPhone 16/16e run on the A18 chipset.

Inside the race to train AI robots to act human in the real world

November 2, 2025, 6:58 AM EST. From Chennai to Silicon Valley, a growing workforce is teaching AI how humans move in the real world. At Objectways in Karur, 28-year-old Naveen Kumar and colleagues perform precise towel-folding tasks, wearing a GoPro to capture point-of-view footage that shows exactly how a human handles objects. The videos are carefully annotated-bounding boxes, motion direction, and gripping details-and then used to train AI models to operate physical tasks. This data-gathering feeds foundation models for robotics and supports startups that rely on human demonstration data. Encord contracts with Objectways to curate such datasets, while robotics firms and major players like Tesla and Nvidia push to translate these demonstrations into autonomous, real-world behavior. The result is a surge in robotics and AI able to function beyond screens-for homes, factories and offices.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warns against underestimating Huawei amid US-China tech tensions

November 2, 2025, 6:56 AM EST. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warned that Huawei's strength in 5G and AI systems means it is foolish to underestimate China's tech prowess. Amid ongoing US-China tensions, Huang said Nvidia is "miles ahead" in chips but cautioned against complacency, praising Huawei's ability to build "amazing chips" and the CloudMatrix AI supercomputing system. He argued that Huawei dominates global telecom standards and smartphones, and stressed that competition should be respected. Huang noted China already makes plenty of AI chips and suggested national security concerns are mitigated if China does not rely on American chips like H20. He projected China's market opportunity at roughly $50 billion this year and potentially hundreds of billions by decade's end, adding Nvidia's race to invent the future remains relentless.

Is It Time to Go Internet Sober? A College Gamer's Battle with Online Addiction

November 2, 2025, 6:54 AM EST. Grant Johnson arrived in college at 18 facing a lack of motivation, debt, and a sense of purpose. He admits he spent up to 12 hours a day online, split between video games (like League of Legends) and streaming or videos on Netflix and YouTube. With two computer monitors, he struggled to answer what he wanted from life, feeling he was merely wasting time. This piece explores how excessive digital consumption can derail academics and personal growth, and why some young adults consider adopting an internet sobriety to regain focus, discipline, and direction.

Adobe Firefly: The all-in-one creative AI studio for ideation, generation, and production

November 2, 2025, 6:52 AM EST. Adobe Firefly consolidates dozens of generative AI models and tools into one subscription, simplifying ideation, creation, and production. It unites top models-from Firefly Image Model 5 (public beta) to partners like Google, OpenAI, Luma AI, ElevenLabs, Topaz Labs, and more-so you can compare looks without juggling sites. Firefly also adds collaborative spaces like Firefly Boards for brainstorming and a timeline-based video editor (private beta). Use Veo to animate images and Ray to generate new footage, then finish in the editor and spark a track with Generate Soundtrack (public beta). The result is a single, streamlined workflow for turning ideas into finished projects with fully licensed assets.

Tesla FSD v14.1 backs up to the Stop Here on Red line at red light in a tight intersection – viral moment

November 2, 2025, 6:50 AM EST. A Tesla Model Y with FSD v14.1 navigated a tight, congested intersection in Dallastown, PA. When the light went from green/yellow to red, the car backed up to the Stop Here on Red line instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle had already entered the intersection, and the system chose reversal to avoid a potential collision with unseen traffic to the left. Tesla's driver visualization reportedly did not show traffic from the left, illustrating a conservative risk assessment by FSD. The moment, captured and shared on social media, sparked online debate about FSD safety, the legality of waiting through a red light, and how AI makes judgment calls in real-world driving.

Galaxy S24 Ultra Defies Time: Why It's Still Worth It Compared to the S25 Ultra

November 2, 2025, 6:48 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a competitive flagship nearly two years after launch, even with the S25 Ultra on the market. The core reasons: strong performance and software compatibility with Android 16 and One UI 8, a durable titanium build and near-identical display specs, and a top-tier 200MP main camera. While the S25 Ultra nudges the ultra-wide lens, the upgrade isn't critical for most users, and the S24 Ultra even retains Air Actions for the S Pen. Design and ergonomics show the gap: the S25 Ultra is lighter and slimmer, but the S24 Ultra offers better value as it ages. With the S26 Ultra anticipated to push the envelope, the S24 Ultra remains a relevant, cost-efficient choice for those not chasing the latest spec bumps.

1X Neo: $20,000 consumer-ready humanoid robot-still needs human help

November 2, 2025, 6:44 AM EST. For $20,000 (or $499/month with a six-month commitment), the humanoid robot Neo from 1X promises to handle basic chores like unloading the dishwasher and watering plants. The device stands about 5 ft 6 in, carries roughly 55 pounds, and runs for up to four hours per charge. Unlike fast, agile drones or military bots, Neo moves slowly and relies on human help for most tasks. In a test, all chores were performed with remote assistance from a VR headset-wielding 1X employee rather than autonomous operation. Prospective buyers should note that privacy guardrails are in place, but the house would still house a camera-equipped robot. The takeaway: Neo is novel and affordable, but not truly autonomous yet.

Molten-salt method restores degraded EV battery cathodes to 76% capacity after 200 cycles

November 2, 2025, 6:42 AM EST. Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed a molten salt technique that regenerates degraded EV battery cathodes rather than tearing them apart. Targeting the high-nickel NCM811 material (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2), the method uses a ternary lithium-containing molten salt to repair defects and restore the material's ordered structure. After treatment, the cathodes show a single-crystal-like structure, and the recovered cells deliver an initial capacity of 196 mAh/g, retaining about 76% after 200 charge-discharge cycles. The process operates at lower temperatures and avoids harsh solvents, reducing energy use and environmental impact. If scalable, it could enable a closed-loop battery recycling system by directly converting spent packs into high-quality cathodes.

Powell warns AI could threaten jobs; Fed faces policy dilemma amid productivity gains

November 2, 2025, 6:40 AM EST. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that AI could trigger widespread job losses, calling it a real and difficult issue for the US economy. At a post-meeting briefing, he noted the labor market may be weaker than it appears: unemployment around 4.3% and consumer spending steady, yet job creation thinning when data are adjusted. Powell linked much hiring slowdowns to firms using AI to do more with fewer workers, citing recent layoffs at major firms. A Challenger, Gray & Christmas report tallies nearly 946,000 U.S. layoffs this year, with about 17,000 tied to AI-coined the "Great Freeze" by economists. He argued the AI surge reflects long-term productivity bets, not mere speculation, even as he warns of a policy dilemma: productivity up, employment soft. The so-called K-shaped recovery shows gains for the wealthy and corporates but strain for lower-income households.

Filmmakers Tap Adobe Firefly AI to Craft Short Films at Adobe Max

November 2, 2025, 6:38 AM EST. Five filmmakers tested Adobe Firefly's AI tools to produce short films commissioned by Adobe at Adobe Max, showing how AI can shorten production timelines from months to weeks. The screenings featured six 2-5 minute shorts, and a panel noted that while AI accelerates production, the human touch-strong scripting and direction-remains essential. Creatives praised Firefly Boards for storyboarding, image generation, and pre-visualization, enabling rapid iteration with live action on bluescreen. The consensus: AI opens new possibilities for storytelling, but careful planning and quality control are key, blending AI capabilities with traditional filmmaking craft.

SpaceX Proposes Simplified Artemis III Mission to Preserve NASA Contract

November 2, 2025, 6:36 AM EST. SpaceX has unveiled a simplified Artemis III plan as NASA opens the lunar contract to competitors. The company says it is aligning a streamlined mission architecture with national priorities, in response to delays and criticism of the original Starship-heavy design. Previously, SpaceX won the 2021 contract over Blue Origin and others, but has yet to demonstrate orbital flight, complicating readiness for a lunar transit and return. NASA is weighing alternatives, including modifications to the Mark 1 lander from Blue Origin. The timeline remains uncertain as the government shutdown edges into potential delays for Artemis II's lunar flyby expected around 2026. SpaceX asserts a faster return to the Moon with improved crew safety, but details of the simplified approach are not disclosed.

SpaceX Preps Simplified Starship Lunar Lander as NASA Reviews Proposals

November 2, 2025, 6:34 AM EST. NASA is weighing new lunar lander proposals from SpaceX and Blue Origin as it advances Artemis plans. In a climate shaped by concerns about China's space progress, SpaceX is pursuing a more simplified Starship-based lunar lander to shorten development time and reduce risk. The moment follows Musk's public posts on X, underscoring the high-stakes politics of space collaboration, yet NASA emphasizes safe landings, interoperability, and cost controls as it evaluates designs for future Artemis missions and industry partnerships.

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 adds Ask Copilot on the taskbar, Xbox FSE, Shared Audio and ARM emulation boosts

November 2, 2025, 6:32 AM EST. Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (Insider Program) introduces several features: a taskbar-based Ask Copilot that can search the web, local files, or respond to voice input (opt-in for now); a new Full Screen Experience (FSE) for handheld devices that makes gaming the focus and can be enabled via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience; a Shared audio feature enabling Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast to two devices; and improved ARM performance through expanded x64 emulation capabilities. These updates roll out to the Beta/Dev channels first and will reach everyone in the coming weeks.

Polish Tops AI Prompting: Study Finds Polish Most Effective Language for AI Models

November 2, 2025, 6:30 AM EST. A joint study by the University of Maryland and Microsoft analyzed how 26 languages perform when prompting major AI models, including OpenAI, Google Gemini, Qwen, Llama, and DeepSeek. Surprisingly, Polish emerged as the most effective language, delivering an average accuracy of about 88% in task completion, while English ranked sixth. The researchers found that Polish prompts yielded precise results despite far less Polish data for training than English or Chinese. The study also noted Chinese performing relatively poorly (fourth from the bottom). The top 10 languages by effectiveness were Polish, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, English, Ukrainian, Portuguese, German, and Dutch.

EV Vandalism Sparks Debate Over Adoption and Environmental Benefits

November 2, 2025, 6:26 AM EST. An EV owner's scratch on a Kia EV6 and a rise in vandalism at charging stations underscore challenges as the industry pursues broad adoption. The piece notes that such incidents could deter buyers, even as experts say EVs remain far cleaner than gas-powered cars. Critics cite battery production and mining, but proponents argue the overall environment benefits still trump these costs. The article also highlights the ongoing tradeoffs of charging and the value of home solar, which can cut costs and emissions, especially when paired with resources like EnergySage. As the transition accelerates, reducing vandalism and improving charging infrastructure will be essential to the sustainable growth of EV technology.

Politicians Push AI-Generated Content: Policy Debates and Rising AI Influence

November 2, 2025, 6:24 AM EST. Policymakers are debating the use of AI-generated content in politics, signaling a shift toward synthetic media that could reshape public discourse. Proponents say it could streamline messaging and expand outreach, while critics warn of manipulation, misinformation, and eroding trust. The discussion touches on transparency, accountability, and the need for clear regulation around synthetic media. Key questions include how to label AI content, who bears responsibility for accuracy, and how to prevent abuse in elections and civic campaigns. Industry groups call for guardrails without stifling innovation, while lawmakers push for AI literacy, robust fact-checking, and penalties for deceptive deepfakes. The outcome will influence digital media governance and the future of tech policy.

5 smartwatches to buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 4

November 2, 2025, 6:22 AM EST. While the Pixel Watch 4 is outstanding with the Acuta 360 display, longer battery life, repairability, and strong Gemini integration, it's not your only option. The article highlights five solid alternatives: Pixel Watch 3 (now about $250-$300, often on sale) offering the familiar Wear OS experience and solid health tracking; Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 with a comprehensive health suite and features like Energy Score and a Running Coach; and the lineup from OnePlus Watch, Garmin Venu, and Fitbit Charge 6-each prioritizing different needs, from price to fitness tools. In short: pick based on price, health features, and app ecosystem to fit your smartwatch goals.

Is Tesla's Valuation Justified After Its 83% Surge and Self-Driving Advances?

November 2, 2025, 6:10 AM EST. Tesla has surged, delivering an 83% gain over the past year and momentum from self-driving advances and global expansion. Yet valuation remains contentious as analysts clash over how to price future cash flow. A typical approach starts with a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model, which estimates intrinsic value from projected free cash flow (FCF) and discounts it to today. Some projections show FCF rising toward double digits, influencing fair value estimates around the mid-teens to a lofty price, while others flag overvaluation as market sentiment overshoots fundamentals. Other checks, like the Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio, assess relative value when profits are reinvested. Investors should weigh growth prospects, regulatory risks, and execution chances for Tesla's autonomous driving and expansion plan before deciding if the stock is overvalued or undervalued.

Five life changes that finally made me care about smartphone camera specs

November 2, 2025, 6:06 AM EST. Robert Triggs explains how his approach to phone cameras evolved through five life moments. He details how travel turned photo quality into durable memories, how worsening chronic pain made carrying a bulky DSLR impractical and shifted him toward smartphone cameras, and how owning pets encouraged quick, candid shots that a capable camera phone handles well. The essay suggests that real-world needs, convenience, and cost often trump marketing specs when evaluating a phone's camera-and that changing circumstances can redefine which features truly matter.

BMW, Samsung SDI and Solid Power push toward commercial all-solid-state EV batteries

November 2, 2025, 6:04 AM EST. BMW, Samsung SDI and Solid Power have formed a new partnership to accelerate the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. Samsung SDI will manufacture cells using Solid Power's sulfide-based solid electrolyte, while BMW will design the battery pack and modules. The collaboration aims to deliver safer, higher-performance cells and push wider EV adoption through improved energy efficiency. The partners say they have developed a working system for producing ASSBs cells and are leveraging Samsung's scale, Solid Power's chemistry, and BMW's automotive integration. Samsung has progressed from pilot production to prototype samples, and BMW has conducted on-road tests of Solid Power's ASSBs cells in an i7, with aims to introduce the technology in production cars around 2030. Potential benefits include longer range and faster charging, though cost and scalable manufacturing remain hurdles.

Samsung Galaxy S26 launch delayed to February 25 with S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra

November 2, 2025, 5:52 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup is reportedly delayed, with an Unpacked event now set for February 25 in San Francisco. The trio – S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra – will debut together, while the S26 Edge reportedly won't be shown at the event. The delay follows a reported product lineup adjustment. Earlier rumors hinted at a rebrand to S26 Pro and an Edge variant, but Samsung is said to stay with the standard lineup. The company may bundle its Exynos 2600 chipset (2nm) across the series, including the Ultra, with early benchmarks looking promising. Samsung also teased camera and AI upgrades during an earnings call, which could boost flagship performance despite past processor woes. More details are expected at the February Unpacked.

New York college bets on AI-proofing to craft AI-resilient, hands-on careers

November 2, 2025, 5:50 AM EST. Amid fears that AI could reshape the job market, Paul Smith's College in the Adirondack Mountains is pursuing AI-proofing with a hands-on curriculum in fields where human judgment matters, helping cultivate AI-resilient careers. The small college has seen a 30% uptick in fall enrollments as it trains students for careers in forestry, wildlife science, hospitality and applied business-areas less susceptible to automation. Administrators say education here emphasizes problem solving in messy, unpredictable settings, not just theory. Nestled among six million acres of wilderness, the school has long focused on land-based, rural trades and is now doubling down on it. Students like Gavin Tufo and Liam Carroll praise the outdoors and real-world experience as a draw to Paul Smith's.

Why the AI infrastructure boom mirrors past tech bubbles

November 2, 2025, 5:48 AM EST. An analysis of today's AI infrastructure boom argues it echoes historic tech bubbles. Tech giants plan to invest hundreds of billions in AI infrastructure by 2026, while data centers gulp gigawatts of electricity and grid constraints throttle expansion. The piece contrasts optimistic projections for AI chipmakers with traditional margins, noting that even during Intel's peak, margins were lower. It draws lessons from the late-1990s telecom bubble, WorldCom's fiber overhang, and earlier infrastructure cycles, where overbuilding funded growth that later seeded a new internet economy. The author cautions that multi-year delays and finite energy/capacity could cap near-term returns, even as the underlying infrastructure remains valuable. The overarching point: infrastructure investments can power long-run digital prosperity even when the path is volatile.

Are AI fears pushing mid-career professionals toward trade schools? A look at the pivot to skilled trades

November 2, 2025, 5:40 AM EST. Facing AI-driven layoffs, 46-year-old Jonathan Sterling swapped a white-collar path for the hands-on world of skilled trades. After leading real estate teams at Keller Williams, he enrolled in an HVAC program and now helps others explore trade-school routes via Foxtown Education. The trend mirrors a broader shift: as generative AI handles coding, copy, and design, more professionals rethink security and pursue mid-career retraining in fields like plumbing and welding. Applications to accelerated trade programs are rising, even as the number of Americans in skilled trades remains relatively steady. The result: a new 'learn-to-craft' era where job security may hinge on fixing, welding, and wiring rather than analyzing dashboards.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra vs iPad Pro M5: Which Premium Tablet Should You Buy?

November 2, 2025, 5:38 AM EST. Two premium tablets go head-to-head: the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with a vibrant OLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, and the iPad Pro M5 with a 13-inch Tandem OLED, powerhouse performance, and impressive battery life. Both bodies are slim and light, with robust build quality and four speakers. The Tab S11 Ultra starts at $1,199 and can top $1,619 with 1TB, while the iPad Pro M5 starts higher and can reach $2,299 with 2TB; keyboards push costs further. In day-to-day use, the S11 Ultra offers a larger canvas and Android flexibility; the iPad Pro M5 wins with its ecosystem, accessories, and optimized power efficiency. If you're tied to Samsung/Google services, the Tab is compelling; if you want Apple performance and longevity, choose the Pro.

Saudi Arabia bets on Humain to become a global AI powerhouse

November 2, 2025, 5:36 AM EST. Saudi Arabia is turning its oil wealth toward a bold AI push led by Humain, a homegrown entity backed by the kingdom's nearly $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund. Unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and spotlighted again at the Future Investment Initiative, Humain aims to make the kingdom the world's third-largest AI market behind the United States and China. CEO Tareq Amin says Saudi Arabia's abundant, cheap energy and a reliable grid give the project a computing edge, arguing it can shave 18 months off rollout. If successful, the effort would redefine the region's tech landscape and position Saudi Arabia as a major global tech hub in the years ahead.

Inside Tesla's Optimus Lab: How Workers Train the Humanoid Robot with the Chicken Dance, Sprinting, and Table-Wiping

November 2, 2025, 5:32 AM EST. Inside Tesla's lab, engineers train the Optimus humanoid robot through hands-on drills that blend routine lab tasks with playful choreography. From the Chicken Dance warmups to sprinting drills and even table-wiping tasks, the sessions aim to improve balance, perception, and dexterity. The piece sheds light on how practical tasks and repetitive motion help the robot learn real-world skills, how safety and collaboration shape the workflow, and what these early training sessions reveal about the future of humanoid robotics at Tesla. Investors and tech enthusiasts get a rare window into the daily grind behind teaching a machine to move, reason, and perhaps someday work alongside humans.

Why Nvidia Stock Still Has Growth Ahead in the Data Center Boom

November 2, 2025, 5:02 AM EST. Nvidia remains a dominant force in the data-center chip market as AI workloads drive ongoing spend on new facilities. Its GPUs power accelerated computing across massive data centers, supporting a surge in revenue and a growing addressable market. Even as customers design some AI chips in-house, Nvidia benefits from a broad data-center cycle, with mega-spending from tech giants fueling demand. Google plans a $4 billion data-center push in Arkansas, and Microsoft is expanding in Wisconsin, illustrating the backbone of ongoing growth. Analysts see up to $4 trillion in data-center spending by 2030, while the stock trades near 30x forward earnings, suggesting meaningful upside for investors as the data center trend continues.

Prediction: Netflix and Visa Could Outperform Tesla in 5 Years

November 2, 2025, 5:00 AM EST. Tesla faces headwinds as it loses market share in the US, China and Europe, with high P/E and eroding margins as price cuts bite and US tax credits expire. The article argues the stock could underperform over the next five years. By contrast, Netflix and Visa are portrayed as steadier growers. Netflix posted 17% revenue growth in Q3 with an EBIT margin around 29% and ongoing expansion into live TV and sports. Visa benefits from a durable payments network, taking a small fee on trillions in transactions. With sustainable growth and clearer visibility, the piece contends Netflix and Visa offer better value and could be worth more than Tesla in five years.

Elon Musk Responds to Sam Altman's Tesla Refund Claim: 'You Stole a Non-Profit'

November 2, 2025, 4:30 AM EST. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has accused Tesla of not delivering a car after paying a $45,000 pre-reservation in July 2018. Altman shared emails showing a vehicle confirmation, a refund request, and a bounced reply, claiming he still hasn't received a delivery. In response, Elon Musk posted on X, suggesting Altman omitted details and quipping that the issue was fixed and a refund issued within 24 hours, while calling the OpenAI head out for "you stole a non-profit." The saga follows years of clashes between Musk and Altman over OpenAI's mission and other tech ventures, including Musk's own AI project xAI. The story also touches on delays to Tesla's second-generation Roadster and related chatter about future features and demos.

ISRO Launch Today: Heaviest Satellite CMS-03 Set to Lift Off on LVM3-M5 Bahubali

November 2, 2025, 4:28 AM EST. ISRO is set to launch its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket, nicknamed Bahubali, from Indian soil into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The 43.5-meter vehicle combines two S200 solid boosters, an L110 liquid core stage and a C25 cryogenic upper stage to carry heavier payloads up to about 4,000 kg. CMS-03 weighs roughly 4,410 kg and will provide multi-band communication services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass. The liftoff is scheduled for 5:26 PM on Sunday, with ISRO stating that all systems are GO. This mission builds on ISRO's recent success with Chandrayaan-3 and underscores India's growing capability in space infrastructure and global communications.

Beyond Meat Surges Past Nvidia Last Week: Is It a Buy Now?

November 2, 2025, 4:12 AM EST. Across AI headlines, Nvidia (NVDA) remains the GPU pillar driving generative AI, with a 2025 rally fueled by AI infrastructure demand from Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and providers like Oracle, CoreWeave and Nebius. Yet last week Nvidia was largely flat while Beyond Meat (BYND) exploded, surging about 238% between Oct. 17 and Oct. 24. Nvidia's year-to-date gain sits around 51%, punctuated by a brief drop tied to a Chinese startup's LLM and tariff news, followed by a rebound on the back of a massive order book for Blackwell and Rubin. The piece asks if investors should shift from Nvidia to Beyond Meat now, a meme-stock-like move that contrasts a traditional AI leader with a plant-based meat stock. Beyond Meat focuses on plant-based proteins.

XPO Leverages AI to Lift Margins and Productivity in Q3 Results

November 2, 2025, 3:58 AM EST. XPO Logistics posted solid Q3 results amid a weak macro backdrop, with revenue of $2.11 billion and North American LTL revenue up 0.3% while European revenue rose 6.7%. The key positive was an improved adjusted operating ratio (82.7%), the only among top LTL peers to improve this quarter. The company credits ongoing service improvements, price increases, and notably AI-driven productivity gains that automate linehaul decisions, reduce outsourced miles to a record 5.9%, and support cost controls. AI is also expanding into pickup/delivery, dock labor management, and pricing, with management predicting further gains in productivity and margins over time. The stock has outperformed peers year-to-date as investors reward the company's AI-backed efficiency gains and improving margins.

South Korea launches fifth military satellite, completing space-based surveillance network

November 2, 2025, 3:56 AM EST. South Korea launched its fifth military reconnaissance satellite from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, completing the nation's space-based surveillance network. Dubbed the satellite the "final eye" of the Kill Chain preemptive system, it marks the culmination of the 425 Project-a decade-long effort to gain independent, all-weather monitoring of the Korean Peninsula and reduce reliance on US imagery. The first EO/IR satellite launched in 2023, with four SAR satellites deployed between 2024 and 2025. Once fully operational, the constellation will enable two-hour interval surveillance and object identification down to about 30 centimeters. The launch strengthens self-reliant defense and paves the way for domestic launch capabilities and small satellites, as Seoul integrates the system into its three-axis defense posture: Kill Chain, missile defense, and retaliation.

Soldier commands autonomous Sikorsky OPV Black Hawk via tablet in first drone-enabled sling-load mission

November 2, 2025, 3:40 AM EST. During Northern Strike in Michigan, a U.S. Army National Guard Soldier used a tablet to command the Sikorsky OPV Black Hawk to autonomously transport a 2,900-pound water buffalo sling load-the first time such a mission was planned and controlled entirely by soldiers outside the aircraft. The exercise demonstrates a milestone in autonomous flight and optionally piloted capabilities, showing how portable devices can manage heavy-lift helicopters in complex operations. This development could reduce crew exposure and expand mission profiles in future defense operations, as reported by The Jerusalem Post and Stars & Stripes.

Sam Altman: OpenAI Is Taking Over My Mental Space, Envy of Young Founders

November 2, 2025, 3:28 AM EST. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says that OpenAI is taking over his mental space, a situation he finds a little sad as it limits time to think about building new startups. Speaking at DevDay, he praised today's 20-year-old dropouts and noted how artificial intelligence advances let small teams craft sophisticated products in minutes. He recalls his own path-dropping out of Stanford in 2025 to cofound Loopt-and reflects on how the landscape has shifted. He highlights that features like memory in ChatGPT emerged from experimentation rather than foresight, showing durable advantages can arise from iterative builds. The trend toward teenage founders is growing, with investors backing younger entrepreneurs and signaling that barriers are lowering for the next wave of innovation.

Grab the Garmin Forerunner 165 on sale at Argos for £169.99 this early Black Friday

November 2, 2025, 3:26 AM EST. Garmin's Forerunner 165 is on sale at Argos for £169.99 (was £249), a £79 saving and the lowest price we've seen. It's a strong option for budget runners, offering a bright AMOLED display, a dedicated run button, long battery life, and reliable GPS that compares well with routes worn with the Epix Pro. Our review awards it 4.5 stars, making this an excellent early Black Friday deal. If you want more premium features, consider the Forerunner 265 with Gorilla Glass. For a broader pick of wearable options, see our guide to the best smartwatches by price, features, and performance.

InterBel's Chris O'Boyle: Fiber Is the Conduit of the Future for Rural Montana

November 2, 2025, 3:24 AM EST. InterBel is expanding fiber internet across Eureka and into the Flathead Valley, driven by brand ambassador Chris O'Boyle, who calls fiber the conduit of the future. The rural telecom has roots dating to 1964, transitioning from telephone service to dial-up, then DSL in 2011, and now rolling out fiber to underserved areas. O'Boyle notes projects run along U.S. 93 toward Whitefish, with construction facing rocky Montana ground and high costs-estimated at about $25,000 per mile-but funded by a mix of state and federal grants. He emphasizes that strong customer service pairs with a strong product. Grants help make service possible for people miles from the next neighbor, and InterBel aims to keep expanding as fiber infrastructure grows.

Can AI Vet AI? Testing Mental Health Guidance Safety with Generative Models

November 2, 2025, 2:36 AM EST. Exploring how one AI model can evaluate another AI's ability to deliver safe, accurate mental health guidance. With massive adoption of generative AI and LLMs from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta and others, concerns about the quality and safety of mental health advice are rising. Human evaluation by therapists is costly and slow, while rapid changes in systems outpace review. The author demonstrates a practical approach: using AI to test AI and flag potential errors or hallucinations. Not a silver bullet, but a meaningful guardrail to reduce harm as these systems scale. The piece ties into ongoing Forbes column coverage on AI complexities and mental health risks, highlighting caveats, real-world implications, and the need for continual safeguards.

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Which headset fits you best?

November 2, 2025, 2:22 AM EST. Breakdown: The trio pits premium on-face power against a budget-friendly workhorse. Meta Quest 3 remains the value leader at $499, thanks to ongoing software updates that keep the experience smooth and broad. The Apple Vision Pro (M5) wears the mantle of desktop-class performance at $3,499, with a built-in processor on your face and premium materials, but at a steep price. The Samsung Galaxy XR sits in-between with Android XR-ecosystem compatibility at $1,799, and a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip. Specs matter, but real-world use matters more: display quality, field of view, battery life, and ecosystem. Your choice hinges on budget, how you plan to use it (gaming vs productivity), and which app ecosystem you prefer.

Qualcomm targets Nvidia with AI200/AI250 as data-center push shakes AI chip market

November 2, 2025, 2:20 AM EST. Qualcomm is betting big on the data center AI boom, unveiling the AI200 (shipping in 2026) and AI250 (2027) as it broadens from mobile chips into data center AI infrastructure. CEO Cristiano Amon framed the move as the start of a competitive era, directly challenging Nvidia, which currently commands more than 90% of the AI chip market. The chips emphasize inference computing and boast a 768 GB memory footprint, positioning them against existing GPUs. Saudi Arabia's Humain will deploy 200 MW of AI200 capacity next year, marking the first customer and expanding the Riyadh partnership. The news sent Qualcomm's stock higher (up to ~20%). While some industry voices warn of an AI bubble, Amon says the opportunity is immense and will unfold over years, with CAPEX projected near $6.7 trillion by 2030 per McKinsey.

ISRO's Bahubali LVM3-M5 to launch CMS-03, India's heaviest domestically built communications satellite

November 2, 2025, 2:04 AM EST. ISRO is set to launch CMS-03, its heaviest domestically built communications satellite at about 4,410 kg, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit using the heavy-lift LVM3-M5, nicknamed Bahubali. The mission signals greater self-reliance in space, enabling heavier Indian payloads to be placed from Indian soil and boosting India's commercial and strategic space capabilities. CMS-03 will provide multi-band communications coverage, enhancing telecom, internet connectivity, and satellite broadcasting across the subcontinent and surrounding oceans, while aiding disaster management and remote education and healthcare. The LVM3-M5 (GSLV Mk III) uses two S200 solid boosters, the L110 core with two Vikas engines, and the C25 cryogenic stage to reach the GTO. This milestone underscores India's growing space prowess.

SpaceX launches Bandwagon-4, including Haven Demo, advancing Haven-1 private space station plans

November 2, 2025, 1:48 AM EST. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral on a multi-satellite mission dubbed Bandwagon-4, delivering 18 payloads to orbit. Among them is Haven Demo, a pathfinder for Vast Space's upcoming private space station Haven-1, which aims to reach low Earth orbit as soon as 2026 and could host up to four astronauts. The other payloads come from partners including South Korea's ADD, Exolaunch, Turkey's Fergani Space, Tomorrow Companies, and Starcloud, which plans data-center deployments in space. The first stage landed at Cape Canaveral's Landing Zone-2, while the upper stage continues deploying satellites over about an hour. Bandwagon-4 is the fourth mission in this series, fueling SpaceX's ongoing Starlink cadence.

Watch India's LVM3-M5 CMS-03 Launch: Heaviest Military Communications Satellite to GEO

November 2, 2025, 1:56 AM EDT. Live coverage is underway for ISRO's LVM3-M5 Mission: CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R. The 9,700-pound satellite will ride a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre and aim for a geostationary transfer orbit about 16 minutes after liftoff. If successful, CMS-03 will become the heaviest communications satellite launched from Indian soil to GEO and will provide secure, multi-band naval communications for the Indian Navy, expanding blue-water operations. The mission underscores ISRO's capabilities and follows the Chandrayaan-3 success. Coverage starts 30 minutes before liftoff; tune in to Space.com or ISRO streams for real-time updates on this historic launch.

The New Hot AI Job: Forward-Deployed Engineers

November 2, 2025, 1:52 AM EDT. Forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) are quickly becoming the hottest role in AI, blending research insight with real-world deployment. Working at the intersection of customers, product, and engineering, FDEs tailor AI models to client workflows, build production-ready pipelines, and ensure scalability and reliability in diverse environments. The role demands strong systems integration, data privacy, and on-site collaboration to translate cutting-edge research into practical, measurable outcomes. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, startups and enterprises seek FDEs who can bridge gaps between R&D and operations, manage risk, and iterate rapidly in the face of changing requirements. Expect a blend of software engineering, data science, and customer-facing work with high impact and visibility.

Measuring Business Research Downloads in the AI Era

November 2, 2025, 1:48 AM EDT. Enterprises increasingly rely on digital research assets, forcing firms to refine how they measure business research downloads amid the rise of AI. Key challenges include separating genuine demand from noise and standardizing metrics across platforms and content types. AI-powered analytics enable better audience segmentation, personalized access, and demand forecasting while safeguarding data quality and compliance. Core metrics now span unique downloads, engagement duration, repeat access, and downstream actions like licensing or enterprise adoption. The trend points to a shift from static reports to AI-enabled insights hubs, where access patterns reveal which insights drive decision-making. For publishers and vendors, the opportunity lies in richer telemetry, clearer attribution, and faster iteration to align content with evolving business needs.

Google Debuts First Fully AI-Generated Ad Featuring Tom the Turkey

November 2, 2025, 1:46 AM EDT. Google released its first fully AI-generated advertisement, featuring Tom the turkey and his quest for flights via AI Mode, the company's AI-based search tool. Created by Google Creative Lab, the spot nods to seasonal nostalgia and holiday specials, and marks a milestone in synthetic content across TV, social, digital media, and theaters. The project used Veo 3 and other AI tools, with notes explaining how this content was made in the video player. The campaign highlights AI Mode's ability to return complete answers from the web and signals Google's emphasis on transparency by crediting altered or synthetic content.

Vivo X300 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: real-world camera comparison

November 2, 2025, 1:44 AM EDT. Two flagship-style phones face off in a camera comparison: the Vivo X300 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The Vivo pairs a 50MP main sensor with a 50MP ultrawide and a telephoto, while the Pixel packs a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and a powerful 200MP telephoto. In field tests, Pixel images tend to have lower contrast, while Vivo shots often look brighter and more vibrant. Both phones offer up to 100x zoom aided by AI, and the Vivo can use an external telephoto lens for additional reach. The result is a practical, shot-for-shot look at how each phone handles day and night scenes, color, and detail, with subtle differences in contrast, exposure, and computational tweaks.

Europe Unites Airbus, Leonardo and Thales to Form a Pan-European Space Champion to Rival SpaceX

November 2, 2025, 1:42 AM EDT. Europe's aerospace giants Airbus, Leonardo and Thales announced a plan to pool their space operations into a single, cross-border business aimed at competing with SpaceX. The new company, headquartered in Toulouse, will employ about 25,000 people and generate around €6.5bn in turnover, with five national subsidiaries across the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. It will cover space exploration, Earth observation, space threats and satellite navigation, mirroring the MBDA structure used in defense. Officials say collaboration protects national interests and positions Europe for long-term growth in a fast-expanding market. In the UK, Airbus Defence and Space employs about 3,100 people, with major space hubs in Portsmouth and Stevenage. The move follows rapid SpaceX development and rising U.S./China space investment.

Sennheiser HDB 630: premium wireless headphones with neutral sound, long battery life

November 2, 2025, 1:40 AM EDT. Sennheiser's HDB 630 are premium wireless headphones with a minimal look and a Bluetooth dongle for reliable performance. The 42 mm transducer delivers a neutral, precise sound with a wide stage. They support aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, and ship with the BTD 700 USB-C dongle for lossless listening up to 24 bit/96 kHz via USB-C or analog. A parametric equalizer and crossfeed give full control of tone and imaging. The adaptive noise cancellation blocks distractions without sacrificing clarity, and the battery can run up to 60 hours. Reviewers call them efficient and "brilliant," though some note the high price relative to midrange rivals like Beats or Sony XM5, and concerns about comfort and aesthetics.

PayPal and OpenAI Bring Direct Purchases to ChatGPT with Instant Checkout

November 2, 2025, 1:38 AM EDT. PayPal and OpenAI are teaming up to let users buy goods directly through ChatGPT. The arrangement enables an instant checkout where PayPal users access the wallet, bank, balance and cards, plus the ability to track purchases and file disputes. Behind the scenes, PayPal will handle merchant routing, payment validation, and orchestration, unlocking access to millions of products via ChatGPT. OpenAI has already launched Buy it in ChatGPT with Etsy sellers in the US, and has deals with Shopify merchants from brands like Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx and Vuori. The project includes the Agentic Commerce Protocol open-source code for shopping carts. PayPal has also teased AI shopping deals with Google and Perplexity.

Magic Leap Teams Up With Google to Prototype AR Glasses

November 2, 2025, 1:34 AM EDT.Magic Leap is back in AR headlines with a prototype pair of AR glasses developed in collaboration with Google. The project pairs Magic Leap's waveguides and optics with Google's Raxium microLED light engine, aiming for stable, crisp, all-day wearables. Google appears to focus on software, likely leveraging its Android XR platform and efforts around new headsets like Samsung's Galaxy XR, while Magic Leap handles the display hardware. The duo's announcement echoes a renewed push after years of mixed reception for Magic Leap's devices: the 2018 Magic Leap One and the 2022 Magic Leap 2, both with limited consumer traction. Magic Leap's early headset support ended in late 2024, and the new effort faces high expectations as other firms ship AR glasses successfully. Could this finally shift Magic Leap from niche to mainstream?

Google AI Studio expands with tools to explore, debug and share logs

November 2, 2025, 1:32 AM EDT. Turn insights into product excellence with the new Google AI Studio tools. You can export your logs as datasets (CSV or JSONL) for testing and offline evaluation, identifying where quality or performance dips or shines to build a reliable baseline. Use these datasets for prompt refinement, performance tracking, and more. The Gemini Batch API enables batch evaluations on growing datasets to test model selection or application logic before deployment. Check the Datasets Cookbook for examples. You can share specific datasets with Google to get feedback on end-to-end model behavior for your use case. Shared datasets will be used to improve and train Google products and services, including models.

Talk to Me 3D Spinoff Series From Philippou Brothers, Meta and XRTV Teases Immersive XR Horror

November 2, 2025, 1:28 AM EDT. Meta and XRTV are developing an untitled, six-episode spinoff set in the Talk to Me universe. The series, created by Darren Brandl and Trent Atherton, follows young travelers chasing a European island party until they encounter the Hand. Shot entirely in 3D for XR experiences, the live-action show promises a fully immersive, headset-first horror ride. Executive producers include Darren Brandl, Jack Davis, the Philippou brothers, and Causeway Films, with Craig William Macneill directing all six episodes. The project will map viewers' environments using mixed reality tech to blur lines between story space and the viewer's room, delivering a feeling of presence and possession. A feature sequel to the original film is in development, signaling a broader Talk to Me franchise.

Talk to Me Expands Into a Six-Episode XR Series for Meta Headsets

November 2, 2025, 1:26 AM EDT. Talk to Me is expanding beyond cinema with a six-episode XR series created for Meta headsets and shot in 3D. The project shifts from a straight sequel to an immersive experience built around the film's haunted Hand and possession premise, following young travelers on a European island who stumble into danger. Executive producers include the Philippou brothers; new creators Darren Brandl and Trent Atherton lead, with Craig William Macneill directing. Brandl argues XR lets fans feel present in the horror, mapping the story into their space. While fans still await a theatrical Talk to Me 2, Bring Her Back hints that a traditional sequel remains in play.

Google Limits Google Clock on Wear OS for Third-Party Watches, Pixel Watch Unaffected

November 2, 2025, 1:24 AM EDT. Google has quietly narrowed access to its Clock app on Wear OS by removing third-party watch compatibility. Existing installs stay functional but won't receive updates on non-Pixel devices. Pixel Watch users keep Google Clock via the Play Store. Galaxy Watch, OnePlus Watch and other Wear OS devices will lose future updates, though their installed Clock app will keep alarms and timers while this persists. Google's move appears to encourage use of OEM clock apps preinstalled by manufacturers to avoid resource clashes and ensure consistent behavior across devices. Samsung, OnePlus, Mobvoi and other brands will continue with their own clock apps, while Google's integration becomes more brand-specific. Sideloading risks remain, and OEM apps are generally safer for feature compatibility across the Wear OS ecosystem.

Spectrum Q3 2025 Results: Internet and TV Losses Slow as Mobile Growth Rises and Bundled Streaming Expands

November 2, 2025, 1:22 AM EDT. Charter Communications, operating as Spectrum, reported Q3 2025 results showing a net loss of 109,000 internet customers (vs 110,000 in Q3 2024) and ending with 29.8 million internet subscribers. TV customer losses were 70,000 for the quarter, following a 294,000 drop in Q3 2024; Spectrum attributes the smaller decline to simplified pricing, bundled streaming benefits, and expanded packages. Spectrum TV Select now includes ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, AMC+, ViX, Tennis Channel, and Fox One, with Discovery+ and BET+ launching soon, bringing total TV customers to about 12.6 million. The mobile business grew by 493,000 lines, finishing at 11.4 million. CEO Chris Winfrey highlighted Spectrum's differentiated network capabilities, ongoing service improvements, customer savings, and a focus on free cash flow growth for shareholder value.

iOS 26.1 incoming next week: biggest changes for iPhone

November 2, 2025, 1:20 AM EDT. iOS 26.1 is focused on quality-of-life improvements rather than sweeping features. Expect tweaks like a Liquid Glass design with a new Clear or Tinted transparency toggle, and the ability to disable the lock-screen Camera swipe. The alarm now requires a swipe to turn off, reducing accidental wakeups. Apple Intelligence gains expanded language support and translation, plus new ways to swap tracks in Apple Music and a customizable workout in Apple Fitness. UI tweaks include a redesigned Apple TV icon, a Photos video scrubber, a wider and more curved Safari tab bar, and fixes to the display and lock screen. Siri updates are reportedly pushed to Spring 2026.

Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) Hits Record Low With Early Black Friday Discount

November 2, 2025, 1:18 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm, Bluetooth, Graphite) has dropped to $339 on Amazon-a 11% discount ahead of Black Friday. This early deal is notable for a premium smartwatch with a classic round dial and a bright display. Health features include heart rate, Vascular Load monitoring, and Advanced Sleep Coaching with Bedtime Guidance. For fitness, there's a Running Coach and an Energy Score to gauge daily readiness. It supports fast charging, and when paired with your phone delivers instant access to notifications, calls, and apps. The watch comes with a 2-year warranty on some variants and is available in multiple colors (prices vary). See at Amazon.

Deals: Apple Watch Ultra 3, Powerbeats Fit, iPhone 16 Pro discounts, and M4 Mac mini price drops

November 2, 2025, 1:16 AM EDT. The Week 1 Best Buy Black Friday doorbusters are live, and today's 9to5Toys Lunch Break is packed with big price drops. Highlights include up to $99 off several configurations of Apple Watch Ultra 3, the first price cut on the brand-new Powerbeats Fit, and up to $110 off M4 Mac mini models. Discounts reach up to $600 off the iPhone 16 Pro with new Amazon Renewed Premium all-time lows, plus nearly $400 off the most affordable M4 Pro MacBook Pro. Amazon's deals step in with the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $799.99 shipped, and the Mac mini M4 24GB/512GB at $889.99. Costco members may access the same price via membership, but Amazon ships to everyone.

Google airs AI-generated ad without AI label, citing viewer apathy

November 2, 2025, 1:12 AM EDT. Google rolled out an AI-generated ad for its AI search, created entirely with its video tool Veo 3, without labeling the AI involvement. The TV spot airs today and will expand to cinemas and online media this weekend. To dodge criticisms of fake-looking humans, the ad features stylized, toy-like characters. Google Creative Lab's Robert Wong says most viewers don't care whether AI was involved and that AI should be treated as a tool, like Photoshop. A Christmas version is already planned, signaling continued experimentation with AI-created advertising.

Spatiam Advances Interplanetary Internet Using ISS National Lab DTN Demonstration

November 2, 2025, 1:06 AM EDT. Spatiam Corporation showcased a commercial space communications platform based on Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), designed to overcome vast delays and disruptions in deep-space links. The ISS National Laboratory served as an operational testbed, advancing the platform to TRL 7 and toward flight certification. Over 18 days, the demonstration validated multi-node reliability, transferring telemetry, commands, text, binaries, and streaming audio/video between space and Earth with bundle-in-bundle encapsulation for secure delivery. Industry veteran Vint Cerf underscored why traditional TCP/IP falters in deep space, while Spatiam aims to extend DTN to commercial space stations, LunaNet, and low Earth orbit missions. Results were presented at the Space Software Summit, signaling progress toward practical, multi-user interplanetary networks.

Bill Gates warns AI investments may be dead ends amid bubble concerns

November 2, 2025, 1:04 AM EDT. Microsoft founder Bill Gates warned on CNBC that many AI investments will be dead ends as the industry enters an AI bubble. He likened the scene not to tulip mania but to the dot-com era, noting some firms will succeed while many burn capital. Gates described AI as the biggest technical thing of his lifetime but cautioned about a frenzy and costly data-centre deployments. An MIT study cited by Gates says 95% of organizations see zero return on GenAI investments, with only 5% delivering measurable value. The report finds widespread piloting of tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, boosting productivity but lacking clear P&L impact for most companies.

Can The Internet Save Animation? How Patreon and YouTube Are Keeping Indie Animation Afloat

November 2, 2025, 1:02 AM EDT. On this ICYMI episode, host Kate Lindsay and producer Vic Whitley-Berry discuss how animation is funded by the internet rather than big studios. As major studios consolidate and trim resources, platforms like Patreon and YouTube keep the art form afloat. The takeaway: continued support for indie artists is essential to broaden audiences and avoid a narrow slate dominated by higher-risk, niche projects.

Landline revival: parents curb kids' smartphone use with Flashback phones and landline pods

November 2, 2025, 1:00 AM EDT. Some parents are turning back the clock to curb smartphone addiction. An advocacy group called Landline Kids is promoting corded landlines to reduce screen dependence and spark real conversations at home, even creating "landline pods" for pre-approved calls. Seattle's Tin Can, a startup by Chet Kittleson, sells the Flashback landline – a wall-mounted phone marketed as the phone of the 80s childhood – for about $75, wired to your router or Ethernet. Tin Can offers two plans: a free tier for calls to other Tin Can phones or 911, and a $9.99/month plan for calls to any number. Parents control hours and approved contacts, with no texting or social media required. The trend frames landlines as a tool for independence and calmer family communication.

Engadget review recap: Apple M5 MacBook Pro, Sennheiser HDB 630, and Lenovo Legion Go 2

November 2, 2025, 12:58 AM EDT. Engadget's latest review roundup covers the fall's big tech: two Apple devices, a high-end gaming handheld, standout headphones, and Meta's sporty glasses-plus a nod to 2025's best picks. The Apple MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch) adds a faster GPU while keeping the pro design, but buyers should expect no OLED option and premium upgrade pricing. The Sennheiser HDB 630 delivers near open-back fidelity in a closed wireless set, delivering outstanding sound and long battery life, though the price-tag and build feel mixed. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is the SUV of gaming handhelds with a large 8.8-inch OLED display and detachable controllers, yet remains pricey, especially the Z2 Extreme variant. Rounding out the roundups are Meta's smart glasses and other hands-on impressions along with 2025 best-of recommendations.

The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals of 2025: AirPods Pro 2, iPad, M5 Pro, MacBook Air & More

November 2, 2025, 12:54 AM EDT. Kick off Black Friday early with big Apple deals across Amazon and Best Buy. Highlights include AirPods Pro 2 at $169.99 (down $79), and significant iPad discounts on the 11th-gen Wi-Fi models (entry price from $299; 256GB for $399; 512GB for $599). The M5 iPad Pro sees its first notable cuts, with the 11-inch from $948.50 and the 13-inch 256GB for $1,249 (512GB $1,449; 2TB Nano-Texture $2,298). The M4 MacBook Air lineup drops by up to $200, including the 13-inch 256GB at $799 and the 15-inch at $999. For wearables, select Apple Watch Ultra 3 models are $99 off. The Apple Pencil Pro is $99.99 (was $129). Note this is an early-season roundup with more discounts likely to follow.

Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup rumored to get camera, battery and display upgrades

November 2, 2025, 12:52 AM EDT. Rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 lineup will get substantial camera, battery, and display upgrades. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may keep a 6.9" M14 OLED and gain an AI privacy feature, with 200MP / 50MP / 50MP sensors; rumored 5,400 mAh battery. The S26+ reportedly uses a larger 1/1.3" main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto (likely borrowed from the current S25 Ultra). The base S26 would match Plus' camera upgrades but with a 4,200-4,300 mAh battery. A slimmer Edge variant could sit between standard and Plus. Processors may vary by region (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600).

Android This Week: Nova Launcher's Final Update, Fairphone 6 US Launch, and OnePlus 15 Official

November 2, 2025, 12:48 AM EDT. In this Android roundup, Nova Launcher may have its final update, Fairphone 6 launches in the US, and the OnePlus 15 is official. On the app side, Gboard introduces flick keys for faster numeric and symbol entry, Google Messages tests a 30-day trash recovery, and Samsung's Galaxy camera app could gain user-friendly Pro Mode presets. The roundup also touches on broader Android policy and store dynamics, including F-Droid taking aim at Google, the Play Store opening up more flexibility for US users due to a court ruling on in-app payments, and other evolving features across Android apps and devices. More updates to come.

Google Debuts Its First AI-Generated Ad Using Veo 3

November 2, 2025, 12:44 AM EDT. Google has published its first-ever ad fully created with AI, using Veo 3 to generate video. The spot, titled 'Planning a Quick Getaway? Just Ask Google,' follows Tom, a plush turkey, as he activates AI Mode on a Google app to escape his coop. The campaign launches on TV, theaters, and social platforms, with a Christmas version teased. Google Creative Lab's Robert Wong describes aiming for nostalgia while showcasing Veo 3 capabilities. Some observers worry about AI-generated ads and the broader 'race to the bottom' in advertising. The video itself lacks an on-screen AI disclaimer, though YouTube labels the page as 'Altered or synthetic content' under How this content was made, per 9to5Google and WSJ reporting. Transparency remains a hot topic as AI ads expand.

UK households told to move Wi-Fi router away from Bluetooth devices to boost speeds

November 2, 2025, 12:42 AM EDT. Experts warn that your Wi-Fi performance can drop if the router sits near Bluetooth devices such as speakers or smart hubs. A UK specialist citing hyperoptic.com says interference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios can slow streaming, gaming, and work-from-home tasks. The fix is simple: relocate the router away from nearby Bluetooth gadgets and other devices using similar frequencies (including some microwaves) to improve internet speeds. The guidance explains how Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share radio waves and that a better-placed router can reduce buffering, support smoother film and TV streaming and online work. If you're thinking of a provider change, repositioning offers a low-cost first step.

Doogee Fire 7 Pro debuts with dual camping lights, POC intercom, and 13,000 mAh battery

November 2, 2025, 12:40 AM EDT. Doogee's rugged Fire 7 Pro adds dual camping lights (1,200 lm) that work as a flash and SOS beacon. It also supports POC for real-time intercom over 4G/5G or Wi-Fi. Specs include a Dimensity 6300, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage (expandable to 2TB), Android 15 with Gemini, a 6.6" HD+ 90Hz LCD, and a 13,000 mAh battery with 33W wired charging. Photographers get a 64MP main cam plus a 20MP night-vision sensor and a 16MP front camera. Other features: side fingerprint, IR night light, NFC, IP68/IP69K, customizable key, and three colorways, at $269.99. Doogee also teases the Note 56X/X Pro release.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Rugged, All-Day Battery at $699.99

November 2, 2025, 12:36 AM EDT. Apple's new Watch Ultra 3 leans into rugged capability with a 49mm titanium case, lighter at 61g, and a larger 1.93-inch sapphire display. It shrugs off scratches and remains water-resistant to 100 meters, making it ready for high-speed water sports and even recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. The headline improvement is battery life: 42 hours standard, with real-world tests pushing toward 60 hours, thanks to a 2.31Wh cell and a faster S10 chip-and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. The price sits at $699.99 (down from $799). For non-runners and everyday adventurers, the Ultra 3 blends multisport tracking, safety features, and a robust build into a single wristwear option.

Can the Global South Trust Starlink? Sovereignty, Connectivity, and Dependency

November 2, 2025, 12:34 AM EDT. Can the Global South rely on Starlink as a rapid fix for connectivity without undermining sovereignty or long-term resilience? The interview with Steve Feldstein explains that Starlink's edge comes from a larger constellation of satellites and SpaceX's reusable rockets, which boost performance and lower launch costs. As countries like India, Bangladesh, and Lebanon sign deals, others such as Bolivia pause, citing risks of depending on a single provider and potential political leverage by Starlink's owner. The promise is improved last-mile connectivity for rural and underserved areas, but concerns linger about service reliability if Starlink cuts service, foreign policy alignment, and the availability of alternatives. The debate centers on balancing immediate access to connectivity with longer-term regulation, sovereignty, and diversification of providers in the Global South.

AI Blurs the Line Between Fantasy and Real Threats: Harassment, Swatting, and Deepfakes

November 2, 2025, 12:32 AM EDT. AI-generated imagery is pushing harassment from text to tactile reality. Caitlin Roper's nightmare images-real outfits, from credible sources-show how AI-crafted likenesses can be weaponized to terrorize individuals. Generative models let anyone turn a single portrait into dozens of lifelike clips, increasing speed and scale of harm and challenging platform moderation. Even tools like OpenAI's Sora face critics who say guardrails are easily bypassed, while services such as X struggle to align responses with user safety. Beyond cyberbullying, the tech fuels swatting and fake emergency calls that spike police reactions. The piece highlights how real-world danger rises as synthetic audio, voice cloning, and deepfakes spread, forcing communities and authorities to rethink safety in the digital age.

Meta opens flagship West Hollywood store to showcase AI glasses and VR headsets

November 2, 2025, 12:28 AM EDT. Meta opened its flagship store, Meta Lab, in West Hollywood to showcase its AI glasses and VR headsets in an immersive, experiential space. The two-story, 20,000-plus-square-foot shop on Melrose Ave features a miniature skate park, graffiti by LA artist Saber, a vinyl listening room, and photo moments that celebrate local culture. Meta says the store is built around experiences and events, with a rotating skateboarding theme and future changes throughout the year. Open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Meta Lab is Meta's second permanent retail location after Burlingame, California, and underscores the company's push to broaden hardware awareness and sales through physical stores alongside traditional retailers.